Abstract
Introduction: The motivation for this study came from anecdotal reports and observations that there was a potential
need for improvement to the systems that support inter-facility transfers of high acuity paediatric cases
between referring and receiving facilities in Johannesburg, South Africa. In this exploratory study, we formally
document and describe challenges being experienced by members of the healthcare team in facilitating the interfacility
transport of high acuity paediatric cases.
Methods: A qualitative, explorative design was applied, making use of interviews with purposefully-identified
role players involved in paediatric transportation and care. Verbatim transcripts from audio recorded interviews
underwent content analysis to allow for the identification of common categories.
Results: Participants described a number of challenges, which included time delays, lack of qualified ambulance
personnel, poor communication between role players, and lack of appropriate equipment.
Discussion: There are significant challenges experienced by members of the healthcare team with regard to interfacility
transport of high acuity paediatric and neonatal cases in Johannesburg, South Africa. Whilst we acknowledge
the African context and resource constrained setting, health systems managers need to explore the
feasibility of establishing dedicated and suitably resourced retrieval teams who specialise in the transfer of high
acuity paediatric and neonatal patients in order to improve quality of care and overall patient outcomes in this
population.