Lucassen A, Watson E, Harcourt J, Rose P, O'Grady J
Department of Clinical Genetics, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK.
Fam Pract. 2001 Apr;18(2):135-40. doi: 10.1093/fampra/18.2.135.
The aim of this study was to see whether guidelines on whom to refer to a regional genetics service could improve the appropriateness of referrals to the service. It also aimed to assess whether the genetic clinic assessment of risk agreed with that described in the GP letter.
Referral guidelines were sent to all Oxfordshire GPs and the subsequent content of the referral letters was analysed. A retrospective assessment of referral letters sent during the 6 months before dissemination was also made.
The study showed that post-guidelines, fewer "lower risk" referrals were made and that the description of the risk in the GP letter improved, so that a greater proportion of genetic clinic risks agreed with those described in the GP letter.
The use of referral guidelines can help GPs to act as gatekeeper for referrals to secondary care.
本研究旨在探讨关于将患者转介至地区遗传学服务机构的指南是否能够提高转介的合理性。同时，本研究还旨在评估遗传学诊所对风险的评估是否与全科医生（GP）信件中所描述的风险一致。
将转介指南发送给牛津郡的所有全科医生，并对随后转介信件的内容进行分析。同时，还对在指南发布前6个月内发送的转介信件进行了回顾性评估。
研究表明，在采用指南后，“低风险”转介的数量减少，并且全科医生信件中对风险的描述有所改善，使得遗传学诊所评估的风险与全科医生信件中描述的风险达成一致的比例更高。
使用转介指南有助于全科医生在二级医疗转介中发挥把关作用。
