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[The referral system: a study on relations between general practitioners and specialists]
L García Olmos1, J Gervas Camacho, A Otero
1Centro de Salud La Chopera, Alcobendas, Madrid.
Revista De Sanidad E Higiene Publica
|March 1, 1994
Summary
General practitioners show varied referral rates, with significant delays and poor communication impacting patient care coordination. This study highlights gaps in primary to specialist care transitions.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Primary Care Medicine
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- General practitioner (GP) referral patterns are crucial for healthcare system efficiency.
- Understanding referral delays and inter-level care coordination is essential.
- Existing literature lacks comprehensive data on Spanish GP referral practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze general practitioners' referral patterns in Spain.
- To investigate the time delay between referral and specialist consultation.
- To assess communication and coordination between primary and specialist care.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Involved 8,095 referrals from 242 Spanish general practitioners.
- Data collected on referral rates, demographics, specialties, and communication.
Main Results:
- Referral rate was 6.63%, higher in the 15-44 age group and males.
- Significant variability in referral rates among GPs was observed.
- Referrals were more frequent to surgical specialties, with a mean delay of 11 days.
- GP communication from specialists was lacking in 23.5% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Wide variations in GP referral rates indicate potential inefficiencies.
- Poor continuity and coordination between primary and specialist care were identified.
- Addressing these gaps is critical for improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.