[The reasons for consultation and active problems. A key for the understanding of information in primary care]

The aim of this work is to assess the major differences found in the information content of the registers in primary care according to whether the registration includes the Reason (s) For Encounter (as ascertained by the professional) or the Active Health Problem (s). The information used is based on an observational study of a representative sample of the consultations to eight general practitioners from the Principate of Andorra. The study was performed during the period of May-June 1989. 547 consultations are analysed. A better specificity and information content is observed when both approaches are registered. Active Health Problems seem to be barely related to Reasons for Encounter and it seems that they could have as much, if no more. Influence in the process of care, than the RFEs it selves.