Why do patients consult with their family doctor?

Authors

  • J. Gabriel Rodrigues Assistente Graduado de MGF Centro de Saúde de Cascais Extensão do Estoril

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v16i6.9814

Keywords:

Reasons for Encounter, Coding of Reasons for Encounter (ICPC), Characterisation of general/family practice consultations

Abstract

Objectives: To characterise the general/family practice consultation by coding reasons for encounter. Type of study: Observational, cross-sectional, population-based. Site: Cascais Health Centre - Estoril Outpost. Population: Annual average of 721 actively consulting patients. Methods: For three years between April 1997 and March 2000, the reasons for encounter were recorded up to a maximum of four per encounter. The International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC) was used. Results: a) A KALRP general pattern of reasons for encounter was identified on average for the five most frequent ICPC Chapters. b) As for age groups, chapters A and R are the two most frequent for those aged 24 years or younger, whereas from 45 years of age chapters K, A and L predominate. Conclusions: Different patterns were found according to age groups, which seems to reflect a coherent relationship between age progression and reasons for encounter. The general morbidity pattern found apparently depicts a practice where both curative and preventive and health promotion interventions stand out.

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Published

2000-11-01

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 6 (2000): Revista Portuguesa de Clínica Geral

Section

Original Research

License

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How to Cite

Why do patients consult with their family doctor?. (2000). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 16(6), 442-52. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v16i6.9814