An analysis of referral patterns and patients' outcome at the Kenyatta National Hospital intensive care and high dependancy units

Abstract

The findings showed that there was a high mortality of referred patients to Kenyatta National hospital ICU, more male patients were referred than female patients, and that more patients were referred from non government hospitals than from government hospitals. Reasons for referral were noted to be multifactorial. ** SUMMARY: This was a descriptive cross sectional study on the admission of referred patients to Kenyatta National hospital intensive care and high dependency units. The study was carried out after approval by the Ethical and Research committee of the Kenyatta National hospital (K.N.H-ERC). 83 referred patients above 15 years of age were recruited into the study. APACIIE scores were done at admission as baseline to enable determine outcome. The physiological parameters of each patient taken within the first 24 hours of admission were entered into Data sheet and were used to score them. APACHE II scoring system was used which considers patients' worst physiological parameters within the first 24 hours of admission, chronic illness and patients' age. The scores are summed up; and range from 0-71 points. With APACHE score; the predicted death rate could be computed. Other factors considered in this study included; the referring hospitals, age of referred patients, diagnosis and reasons for referral. The outcome was considered in relation to these factors.