Towards a typology of general practitioners' attitudes to general practice
Bucks, R.S.; Williams, A.; Whitfield, M.J.; Routh, D.A.
Social Science and Medicine 30(5): 537-547
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0277-9536 PMID: 2309134 DOI: 10.1016/0277-9536(90)90152-iDocument Number: 519659
Current knowledge about the origins of variations in general practitioners' (GPs') prescribing and referral behaviour is limited. Differences are as yet unexplained by demongraphic factors such as list size or geographic location. Drawing on social psychological theory it is suggested that attitudes towards general practice held by GPs may be predictive of GP behaviour. A classification of GP types on the basis of expressed attitudes may represent the first step towards this goal. This research demonstrates that GPs in Avon have identifiable attitudes to general practice which can be classified into separate types. Uses of such a classification and implications for further research are also discussed.