Dutch general practitioners' referral of children to specialists: a comparison between 1987 and 2001

BACKGROUND: Although children are frequently referred to specialists, detailed information on referral patterns of them is scarce. Even less information is available on how referral patterns evolve over time. AIMS: To examine current referral patterns for children aged 0-17 years and compare these with referral patterns reported for 1987.Design of study: Data were analysed from two national cross-sectional surveys, performed in 2001 (91 general practices) and in 1987 (103 general practices).SETTING: Dutch general practice.METHOD: All new referrals to specialists were assessed by age, sex, Inte... Mehr ...