A list system can help to reduce the proportion of out of hours referrals for male patients.
OBJECTIVE
To examine differences in referral patterns by general practitioners (GPs) with and GPs without a list of patients.


METHODS
Survey of all referrals from primary to secondary care during one week.


METHODS
Central and northern Finland, in a region comprising 72% of the area of the country and one-third of the population.


METHODS
851 GPs, of whom 199 (23%) had a list system.


METHODS
Referrals in terms of practice characteristics.


RESULTS
There were 58760 consultations during the study period, and 2921 patients were referred to secondary care. GPs with a list referred 64% of all referred male patients and 63% of all referred female patients during normal working hours. The corresponding referral figures for GPs without a list were 43% and 58%.


CONCLUSIONS
GPs with a list of patients had a more appropriate distribution of referrals between normal and out of hours work than GPs without a list. Our results may help in developing solutions to problems of providing good primary health care.
Vehviläinen
A T
AT
University of Kuopio, Department of Community Health and General Practice, Finland.
Kumpusalo
E A
EA
Takala
J K
JK
D000328:Adult; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors