[Evaluation of referrals in primary care].
OBJECTIVE
To study the process of referral from primary care in a health area in Madrid. The second objective was to evaluate the trends in the referral process.


METHODS
Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Three urban health centers in the Area 2.


METHODS
All referrals made by 13 doctors during 3 consecutive weeks. The total number of visits attended were 6012. The study was realized between February 2002 and January 2003.


METHODS
Patient, doctor and referral characteristics on every referral.


RESULTS
349 referrals were studied. The rate of referral 5.8% (5.21-6.39). The referred patients, 65.5% women, medium age 50.6+/-21. The specialties that received more referrals are gynecologist, ophthalmology, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, rehabilitation, orthopedic surgeon and general surgeon. The most common conditions referred, 25.6% of all referrals, are gynecologist check, blindness, other illnesses of subcutaneous cellular tissue, arthrosis, joint pain, diabetes, benign neoplasm of skin, depression and hypoacusis. 92.3% of the referrals were sent to the specialist center. 89.7% were normal (no urgent). The reason for referral was to accede to the patient's request in 18.3% of the referrals.


CONCLUSIONS
The process of referral is similar to previous studies. Although people are more participative, have more information and the defensive medicine is increasing, the process of referral have not changed.
de Prado Prieto
L
L
Centro de Salud Goya 2, Area 2, Madrid, Spain. lidiadeprado@hotmail.com
García Olmos
L
L
Rodríguez Salvanés
F
F
Otero Puime
A
A
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013030:Spain; D013038:Specialization; D019037:Urban Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
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