[General practitioners' evaluation of the out-of-hours service in Copenhagen County].

INTRODUCTION

This investigation was part of a large project concerning quality development in the primary care out-of-hours service in Copenhagen County, Denmark.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In August 2003 a questionnaire was sent out to all the general practitioners in Copenhagen County (n = 365, return rate: 82%). 56% of the GPs were not working in the out-of-hours service.

RESULTS

In total, 95% of those surveyed felt that the out-of-hours service is doing a good job; 95% expressed satisfaction with the professional level; and only 3% found that they did not have good cooperation with the service. 63% did not agree with the statement that the out-of-hours service is used only in acute cases of disease or acute deterioration of disease.

DISCUSSION

Overall, the GPs expressed a high level of satisfaction with the out-of-hours service. They also felt that their patients were satisfied. However, the study pointed out the difference in perception between patients and doctors regarding the aim of the service.