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Research Article

Social variation in reasons for contacting general practice out-of-hours: implications for daytime service provision?

N Drummond, A McConnachie, C A O'Donnell, K J Moffat, P Wilson and S Ross
British Journal of General Practice 2000; 50 (455): 460-464.
N Drummond
Public Health Research Unit, University of Glasgow.
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A McConnachie
Public Health Research Unit, University of Glasgow.
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C A O'Donnell
Public Health Research Unit, University of Glasgow.
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K J Moffat
Public Health Research Unit, University of Glasgow.
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P Wilson
Public Health Research Unit, University of Glasgow.
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S Ross
Public Health Research Unit, University of Glasgow.
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Contact with general practice out-of-hours services increases with socioeconomic deprivation. The reasons for this association are unclear but may include variations in access to daytime services or differences in morbidity. AIM: To identify the reasons for contact with the Glasgow Emergency Medical Service (GEMS) in relation to patient sociodemographic characteristics and the nature of the presenting problem. METHOD: All contacts with GEMS over a one-week period (n = 3193) in October 1996 were identified and a random 1:2 sample were sent a postal questionnaire investigating their reasons for contacting the service. Sociodemographic data and presenting problems were extracted from the service contact sheet. Data were analysed using correspondence analysis. RESULTS: Correspondence analysis identified two factors characterised as 'perceived problems with daytime services' and 'perceived urgency'. Scores on the former dimension were significantly associated with age (P < 0.0001), gender (P < 0.0001), socioeconomic category (P < 0.0001), and presenting problem (P = 0.015) and scores were higher in adults, in males, among the non-affluent (particularly those resident in deprived areas), and in those presenting with a musculoskeletal problem. Scores on the latter dimension were significantly associated with age (P < 0.0001) and presenting problem (P < 0.0001). Scores tended to increase after childhood and for each of the five most frequent categories of presenting problem relative to other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to those from affluent areas, patients from non-affluent areas appear to perceive difficulties accessing their general practitioner during surgery hours and may contact out-of-hours services as an alternative.

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British Journal of General Practice: 50 (455)
British Journal of General Practice
Vol. 50, Issue 455
June 2000
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Social variation in reasons for contacting general practice out-of-hours: implications for daytime service provision?
N Drummond, A McConnachie, C A O'Donnell, K J Moffat, P Wilson, S Ross
British Journal of General Practice 2000; 50 (455): 460-464.

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Social variation in reasons for contacting general practice out-of-hours: implications for daytime service provision?
N Drummond, A McConnachie, C A O'Donnell, K J Moffat, P Wilson, S Ross
British Journal of General Practice 2000; 50 (455): 460-464.
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Print ISSN: 0960-1643
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