What proportion of paediatric specialist referrals originates from general practitioners?

Abstract

Aim: To determine (i) the proportion of different referral sources for new referrals to paediatric specialist outpatient clinics and (ii) any association of referral source with utilisation of additional health services. Methods: Survey of parents presenting with their child at five paediatric specialist outpatient clinics at two Melbourne public hospitals. Results: Just over half (52%) of the respondents were referred by a general practitioner (GP). The remainder were referred by a paediatrician (27%) at hospital discharge (16%) or from the ED (6%). Most respondents (71%) reported that their child also has a referral to see another specialist for the same health concern but had not yet had ..