Gatekeeping and referrals to cardiologists: general practitioners' views on interactive communications.

Objective: Referrals to specialists have not been compulsory in Iceland since 1984. In 2006, referrals were again required for patients to receive reimbursement for part of the cost of appointments with cardiologists. The aim of this study was to explore GPs' attitudes to the referral system and possible professional gain by interactive communications.

[Gatekeeping and referrals from GPs to cardiologists: patients' opinions and registration of information flow].

Introduction: Formal referrals to medical specialists have not been required in Iceland since 1984. In 2006, however, referrals were required for patients to receive reimbursement for cardiologists fees. We studied patients' experiences and opinions on the referral process and explored the potential for quality improvement related to the increase in written communication between referring GPs and cardiologists.

[Primary care training during internship - quality and organization.].

Aims: In 2000 a new regulation regarding medical licensure came into effect requiring a three-month rotation at a primary health care centre during internship. The aim of this study was to explore the interns' attitude towards this experience, and particularly to find out how well the training was organized, the supervision they received, and the quality of teaching at the health care centres.

Methods: In 2002 a survey was mailed to all interns (a total of 65) who had completed training at primary health care centres during 2000 and 2001.