[Treatment of injuries in the county of Ringkøbing. 3. Attitude and behavior of the population and general practitioners in relation to treatment of injuries].

This investigation describes the attitudes and behaviour of the population and the general practitioners in the County of Ringkøbing concerning treatment of injuries and the closed casualty department. The investigation consists of three parts. 1. In order to describe the general practitioners in the County of Ringkøbing as those who treat injuries, a questionnaire was sent to these and 88.0% replied. In general, the general practitioners had relatively great experience of work in casualty departments from their hospital appointments. Only eight (5.6%) had experience for less than six months. Practically all (93.2%) had assistance during the day but, during on-call periods, only 16.4% had assistance from doctors. Only 2.1% had access to radiographic examination in their practices. The general practitioners stated that they were able to complete treatment in 82.5% (95-50) of the patients without referral to hospital. Lack of facilities and expertise were the commonest reasons for referral to hospital. 70% considered treatment of injuries as interesting or very interesting. Only 1.4% found it boring. 2. In order to describe self referral to hospital in cases of slight injury by the population of the County of Ringkøbing a questionnaire was sent to 600 of the population aged over 17 years chosen at random. 71.6% replied. 70% stated that they would contact their general practitioner or doctor-on-call in cases of wounds and suspected fracture. The individuals who would contact the casualty department, particularly in the case of wounds, were persons who lived close to the casualty department and who did not have any advantage in contacting their own general practitioner where distance was concerned.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)