General practitioners' reflections on referring: an asymmetric or non-dialogical process?
OBJECTIVE
Identify and describe general practitioners' (GPs') reflections on and attitudes to the referral process and cooperation with hospital specialists.


METHODS
Qualitative study using semi-structured focus-group interviews with GPs analysed using Giorgi's method as modified by Malterud.


METHODS
Interviews conducted over four months from November 2010 to February 2011.


METHODS
17 female and 14 male GPs aged 29 to 61 years from 21 different practices, who had practised for 3-35 years.


METHODS
Description of GPs' views on the referral process.


RESULTS
GPs wished for improved dialogue with the hospital specialists. The referral process was often considered as asymmetric and sometimes humiliating. GPs saw the benefit of using templates in the referral process, but were sceptical concerning the use of mandatory fixed formats.


CONCLUSIONS
The referral process is essential for good patient care between general practice and specialist services. GPs consider referring as asymmetric and sometimes humiliating. The dichotomy between the wish for mutual dialogue and the convenience of using templates should be kept in mind when assuring quality of the referral process.
Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Norway. othorsen@lyse.net
Olav
O
Thorsen
Miriam
M
Hartveit
Anders
A
Baerheim
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D058006:General Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*