The measurement of referrals for practice audit

The Royal College of General Practitioners and the Office of Population Censuses and Surveys have collaborated in three national studies of morbidity in general practice at approximately ten-year intervals. This paper presents data derived from the second survey conducted in 1970/71. A comparison of practice referral rates based on different measures is reported, and consideration given to the consequences of the choice of measure on how practices may be perceived. The findings of this study emphasise the need for caution in the interpretation of practice referral data while providing encouragement for general practitioners to engage in open peer review of their practice activities.