RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 NHS Direct usage in a GP population of children under 5 years: is NHS Direct used by people with the greatest health need? JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP 211 OP 213 VO 54 IS 500 A1 Fiona Ring A1 Melvyn Jones YR 2004 UL http://bjgp.org/content/54/500/211.abstract AB This study compares health status, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of users and non-users of NHS Direct in order to establish whether the service is being used by people with the greatest need for healthcare services. It suggests that use of NHS Direct is widespread among carers of children under 5 years old, but there is evidence that it may not be accessed equitably by those from ethnic minorities, lower socioeconomic groups and those with established ill health.