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Outcomes of referrals from general practice
J P Haikio1, K Linden, M Kvist
1Department of General Practice, University of Turku, Finland.
Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
|December 1, 1995
Summary
General practitioners showed wide variation in hospital referral rates. Most referrals resulted in a single outpatient visit, and only a third of referring doctors received discharge letters from hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare Management
- Primary Care Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Hospital referral patterns by general practitioners (GPs) are crucial for healthcare efficiency.
- Understanding the communication loop between primary and secondary care is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine hospital referral practices by GPs.
- To analyze subsequent hospital events and the availability of discharge letters.
Main Methods:
- An audit of 340 referrals from 29 GPs in southern Finland.
- Review of hospital and primary care records, including discharge letters.
Main Results:
- Mean referral rate was 4.5%, with significant variation among GPs.
- One-third of referrals led to a single outpatient visit.
- Discharge letters were received for only 33% of referrals.
Conclusions:
- Significant variation exists in GP referral rates, with limited explanation from physician factors.
- Communication gaps persist, as GPs rarely receive essential discharge information from hospitals.