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Who do we see? A study of GP referral patterns
1Department of Genitourinary Medicine, West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, UK.
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|August 14, 1998
Summary
General practitioners (GPs) frequently refer patients with gonorrhoea and syphilis but less often those with chlamydia. Viral infections see higher referral rates than chlamydia, with uncommon referrals for trichomoniasis.
Area of Science:
- Sexual health
- Public health
- General practice referrals
Background:
- Understanding referral patterns from general practice is crucial for optimizing sexual health services.
- General practitioners (GPs) are the primary point of contact for many patients with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient referral patterns from general practice to a specialized sexual health department.
- To identify areas for service improvement based on current referral practices.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous postal questionnaire was distributed to 433 local general practitioners (GPs).
- A response rate of 72.3% (313 GPs) was achieved, providing data on referral habits.
Main Results:
- GPs consistently referred patients diagnosed with gonorrhoea or syphilis.
- Referrals for Chlamydia trachomatis were less frequent (under 50%), while viral infections like warts and herpes were referred more often than chlamydia.
- Referral for trichomoniasis and contact tracing advice (except for gonorrhoea and syphilis) were uncommon.
Conclusions:
- Referral practices vary significantly based on the specific sexually transmitted infection.
- Targeted interventions may be needed to improve the referral of Chlamydia trachomatis and enhance contact tracing practices.
- Service delivery could be enhanced by aligning with GP referral patterns and addressing identified gaps.