Referrals and relationships in Sri Lankan general practice.

A detailed questionnaire was sent to the 347 members of the two professional bodies of general practitioners in Sri Lanka. A second questionnaire was sent to 123 of the responders two months later. The number of referrals to and from general practitioners are reported. No form of contact occurred for any of the referrals to general practitioners or for 20% of the referrals to secondary care services. The frequency and perceived value of contacts between general practitioners and others are reported. Factors which might lead to improving the referral pattern and relationships of general practitioners with their colleagues in Sri Lanka are discussed.