NHS Direct usage in a GP population of children under 5 years: is NHS Direct used by people with the greatest health need?
This study compares health status, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of users and non-users of NHS Direct in order to establish whether the service is being used by people with the greatest need for healthcare services. It suggests that use of NHS Direct is widespread among carers of children under 5 years old, but there is evidence that it may not be accessed equitably by those from ethnic minorities, lower socioeconomic groups and those with established ill health.
Royal Free College Medical Schools, London.
Fiona
F
Ring
Melvyn
M
Jones
D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D015277:Hotlines / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom