Development of patient referral system, Emergency Department, Nabon Hospital, Nabon District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Abstract

This action research aimed to develop an emergency referral system for critical patients at Nabon Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, and to study the outcomes of this development. The study was conducted from June to August 2025, collecting data through problem surveys, referral system assessment forms, and service recipient satisfaction questionnaires.

The results revealed that the referral system was concretely developed in four key aspects: 1) Emergency medical services and referral system, involving personnel capacity building, the formulation of operational guideline manuals, and the expansion of patient data communication channels via various applications; 2) Patient referral system, focusing on the preparedness of both personnel and equipment, capacity development for staff at all levels, the establishment of care guidelines for key patient groups, and a consultation system for cases exceeding facility capabilities; 3) Emergency room services, including improving treatment guidelines, implementing a fast-track system to streamline service procedures, developing personnel, creating QR codes for consultation, and upgrading equipment readiness; and 4) Community referral network, involving the development of emergency rescue network structures covering every sub-district and establishing surveillance systems for major diseases. The evaluation of the comprehensive emergency referral system indicated that the sample group had a high level of satisfaction (Mean = 3.85, S.D. = 0.62), reflecting the efficiency and success of the emergency referral system development in the study area..