National integrated continuing care network: difficulties in referral

Background: Understanding health professionals’ literacy when referring to the National Integrated Continuing Care Network (RNCCI) is essential to ensure efficient and adequate access to integrated continuing care. Objective: Understand the difficulties faced by Doctors, Nurses and Social Workers at ULSLO hospital units who refer users to the RNCCI. Methodology: Quantitative, observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study using a questionnaire applied in the three hospitals of the Western Lisbon Local Health Unit. Results: When it comes to user signage, 69.8% of professionals find it difficult to choose the typology and 73.9% consider filling out the computerized system complex. In the referral process, 78.1% of professionals report experiencing difficulties in general. Suggestions for improvement: improve the interoperability of the RNCCI IT system with SClinico and greater coordination between the Discharge Management Team (EGA) and the referring Services. Conclusion: It is crucial to identify difficulties experienced in referral in order to avoid delays in accessing care. Improvement suggestions provide valuable input to develop strategies to optimize the reference process.