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General practice on a new housing estate. 1956
J H Brotherston1, S P Chave, A Cledwyn-Davies
1London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health
|August 1, 1996
Summary
General practice records from 1953 reveal that 76% of patients consulted doctors, with higher rates among females and lower social classes. Males over 65 experienced the most consultations, illnesses, prescriptions, and referrals.
Area of Science:
- General practice and primary care research.
- Epidemiology and public health analysis.
- Healthcare utilization and patient demographics.
Background:
- Analysis of 1953 medical records from six general practitioners on a London housing estate.
- Characterization of the patient population by age, sex, and social class.
- Established baseline for healthcare utilization patterns in a post-war community.
Discussion:
- Consultation rates varied significantly by age, sex, and social class, with a notable gradient towards lower socioeconomic groups.
- A small percentage of patients accounted for a disproportionately large number of consultations, indicating concentrated healthcare needs.
- Illness duration analysis revealed that most conditions were resolved in single consultations, with few requiring prolonged medical care.
Key Insights:
- 76% of registered patients consulted a doctor, averaging 4.1 consultations per person annually.
- Individuals under 45 accounted for 80% of consultations; males over 65 showed the highest rates across consultations, illnesses, prescriptions, and referrals.
- A significant social gradient was observed, with higher consultation rates among lower social classes.
Outlook:
- Highlights the importance of detailed record-keeping for general practitioners.
- Stresses the need for standardized methods in reporting healthcare utilization rates.
- Provides historical data for comparative studies on evolving primary care practices and patient needs.