ScholarLens Back to search
1995•PubMedRequires access

[The referral system: a study on relations between general practitioners and specialists].

García Olmos L, Gervas Camacho J, Ana Isabel Blanco Otero, Pérez Fernández M

Open publisher page 12 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: To describe the general practitioners referral patterns. There is special emphasis in the delay between the referral and the first consultation with the specialist. Also we consider other aspects of the coordination between both levels of care. METHODS: Cross-sectional study upon 8.095 referrals from 242 spanish doctors. RESULTS: The referral rate was 6.63%, higher in the 15-44 age group and also for men. We find a huge variability in the referral rates among doctors. The referral rates are higher to surgical specialties. The mean delay between referral and specialist appointment was 11 days. The general practitioners didn't receive communication from the specialists in 23.5 of the referrals. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable range of referral rates has been identified. There is a poor continuity and coordination in the patient care.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

BACKGROUND: To describe the general practitioners referral patterns. There is special emphasis in the delay between the referral and the first consultation with the specialist. Also we consider other aspects of the coordination between both levels of care. METHODS: Cross-sectional study upon 8.095 referrals from 242 spanish doctors. RESULTS: The referral rate was 6.63%, higher in the 15-44 age group and also for men. We find a huge variability in the referral rates among doctors. The referral rates are higher to surgical specialties. The mean delay between referral and specialist appointment was 11 days. The general practitioners didn't receive communication from the specialists in 23.5 of the referrals. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable range of referral rates has been identified. There is a poor continuity and coordination in the patient care.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 12 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

BACKGROUND: To describe the general practitioners referral patterns. There is special emphasis in the delay between the referral and the first consultation with the specialist. Also we consider other aspects of the coordination between both levels of care. METHODS: Cross-sectional study upon 8.095 referrals from 242 spanish doctors. RESULTS: The referral rate was 6.63%, higher in the 15-44 age group and also for men. We find a huge variability in the referral rates among doctors. The referral rates are higher to surgical specialties. The mean delay between referral and specialist appointment was 11 days. The general practitioners didn't receive communication from the specialists in 23.5 of the referrals. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable range of referral rates has been identified. There is a poor continuity and coordination in the patient care.

Key concepts: Referral, Medicine, Family medicine, Primary care, Patient referral

Related papers

Related paper 1Related paper 2Related paper 3
Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
[The referral system: a study on relations between general practitioners and specialists]. — Research Paper | ScholarLens