[Referral to a department of medical gastroenterology. A study of the content of the referral letter and the reasons for referral].

Knowledge concerning factors that affect referrals of patients by general practitioners to hospitals is important in view of optimal utilization of the resources. Out of 108 referrals from general practitioners to a medical department of gastroenterology, information about the medical history was insufficient in about half the cases, and in 3/4 of the cases information about medicine was absent. Information about allergy and social conditions was found in only a few cases. The reason for referral was in most cases to establish a diagnosis and treatment. It is concluded, that if functions in a medical department of gastroenterology are to be moved to the general practitioners, more education in diagnostic procedures and treatment is needed. Further investigations are needed to solve these problems.