Table 3.
GPs’ referral management and guideline adherence12
| Referral indication according to national guidancea |
Observed in practice
|
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referredb | Not referred | ||
| Yes (% of total) | 633 (19) | 2791 | 3424 (35) |
| No (% of total) | 161 (3) | 6209 | 6370 (65) |
| 794 (8.1) | 9000 | 9794 (100) | |
a
Defined as the presence of at least one of the following alarm features: age <1 month, age 1–3 months with fever of unknown origin, ill appearance, decreased consciousness, abnormal circulation, persistent vomiting, petechial rash, meningeal irritation, severe shortness of breath, and signs of dehydration.
b
161 (20%) of 794 contacts were referred to the emergency department without an alarm sign present (that is, no referral indication by the guideline).