DOI: 10.22391/fppc.1797321 ISSN: 2458-8865

Analysis of external patient referrals from a tertiary care center: a hyperbaric medicine perspective

Recep Özkan, Mehmet Tatlı, Osman Türkmen, Gamze Aydın, Muhammed Tosun
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Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the demographic, clinical, and specialty-based distribution of patient referrals from a tertiary hospital to other provinces during 2024, with particular emphasis on referrals related to hyperbaric medicine.Methods: This retrospective descriptive study included all patient referrals made from our hospital 2024. Data were obtained from the hospital information management system and evaluated according to age, sex, specialty of referral, type of institution (public/private), and reason for referral. This retrospective descriptive study was conducted using all 2024 patient referral records from Van Training and Research Hospital.Results: Most referrals (67.3%, n=1,511) were made to public hospitals. Pediatric cardiology (10.6%) and nephrology (5.7%) were the leading specialties for referrals, with pediatric patients representing the majority of the sample (0–19 years: 42.1%). In addition, a small number of patients requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) were referred to other provinces (0.3%), and all HBOT-related referrals occurred because the hospital’s hyperbaric chamber was undergoing maintenance and revision during the study period.Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that inter-provincial referrals were predominantly driven by shortages in pediatric subspecialty services and temporary interruptions in hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) availability. The increase in HBOT related referrals during the chamber maintenance period highlights the importance of ensuring uninterrupted access to hyperbaric services through effective maintenance planning and coordination with alternative centers. Furthermore, enhancing physicians awareness of HBOT indications and referral criteria may reduce unnecessary transfers and improve the efficiency of referral pathways.

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