[State of internal communication in primary care].
OBJECTIVE
To study internal communication between primary care health professionals


METHODS
Cross-sectional, descriptive.


METHODS
Catalan Health Institute Costa de Ponent Primary Care Area, Spain.


METHODS
All workers in the area (n=3565).


METHODS
Three part questionnaire: a) sociodemographic questions; b) questions scoring from 0 to 10 the current importance and operation of certain aspects; and c) questions on new communication tools.


RESULTS
Of those sent a questionnaire, 39% (n=1388) responded, with a mean age of 43.2 years (95% CI, 42.75- 43.65), 28.9% being male. The major differences between importance and current events were said to be "to be informed of projects before they appear in the communication media," "by official routes and not by rumour," and "to be aware of projects of other teams." The least communicated within teams. The doctors considered upward communication to be more important. Doctors are those who appreciate communication within teams better and the professionals of the users services unit (UAU) less so. Doctors are the ones who give more importance to being informed of projects at the time. 55% do not use the intranet, mainly due to lack of time. The second reason is that they find it difficult. Sixty-two per cent read e-mail >2-3 times per week. Eighty-nine per cent want an electronic bulletin. The older workers use new technologies less.


CONCLUSIONS
Downward, upward, and sideways communication needs to be improved, particularly upwards by doctors, and that of the teams for the UAU professionals. Intranet tools must be provided that make the work easier and training in handling new technologies must be offered.
Ballvé Moreno
José Luis
JL
Ambit Costa de Ponent, Institut Català de la Salut, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. 18325jbm@comb.es
Pujol Ribó
Gloria
G
Romaguera Lliso
Amparo
A
Bonet Esteve
Anna
A
Rafecas Ruiz
Montserrat
M
Zarza Carretero
Elvira
E