Assessing Facilitators and Barriers to Referral of Children Under the Age of Five Years at Ndirande Health Centre in Blantyre, Malawi

Patient referrals among health facilities are initiated to maximize receipt of quality care at a proper level within the health system. This study explored the processes, factors that influence, and strategies for referral of children from Ndirande Health Centre to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. We drew a purposive sample comprising health care workers, mothers, fathers, ambulance drivers, and Health Center Advisory Committee (HCAC) members and held 19 in-depth interviews and 1 focus group discussion in August 2020. The referral process is influenced by the availability of motor and bicycle ambulances that are well equipped with medical equipment, delay in seeking health services, uptake of referral, and community support. Education and communication with the community and parents respectively optimize the process of referral. There is a need to improve the referral system of under-five children by instituting a policy that is functional while addressing the main barriers.