Multivariable adjusteda distribution of percentages of GPs’ agreement with reasons for referralb by quartilesc of GPs’ referral rates and sexd
| Reasons for referral | Does not correspond | Corresponds to a limited extent | Corresponds fairly well | Corresponds very well |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| %, adjusted | %, adjusted | %, adjusted | %, adjusted | |
| To avoid overlooking anything | ||||
| Highest quartile of referral rates | 37.1 | 30.3 | 20.4 | 12.3 |
| Lowest quartile of referral rates | 78.9 | 9.9 | 8.8 | 3.1 |
| Perceived deficient medical knowledge | ||||
| Female GPs | 39.0 | 30.3 | 19.5 | 6.5 |
| Male GPs | 59.0 | 24.4 | 12.3 | 2.3 |
| To reassure the patient | ||||
| Female GPs | 53.7 | 25.9 | 12.3 | 4.9 |
| Male GPs | 70.3 | 17.8 | 8.5 | 1.7 |
| Perceived easily accessible specialist | ||||
| Highest quartile of referral rates | 68.1 | 11.6 | 11.0 | 6.8 |
| Lowest quartile of referral rates | 84.1 | 9.8 | 4.3 | 1.0 |
| Female GPs | 86.9 | 9.5 | 2.3 | 1.8 |
| Male GPs | 69.5 | 12.9 | 9.2 | 4.4 |
↵a For each reason for referral adjustments are made for the same background variables as in Table 2.
↵b Reasons for referral with significantly different distribution with respect to GPs’ referral rates and/or GP sex (see Table 2).
↵c Quartiles of referral rates per 100 consultations: lowest quartile: referral rates <10% (86 referrals), highest quartile: referral rates >16 % (219 referrals).
↵d 219 referrals from female GPs and 376 from male GPs.