Table 5 Number and percentage of GPs agreeing with questionnaire statements on how they used referral guidelines

I look at guidelines when I encounter difficult/unfamiliar circumstances

I read guidelines once or twice for background education and/or to improve my knowledge of conditions

I read guidelines once or twice and rely on memory in order to apply recommendations to individual patients

I use guidelines in teaching

I use guidelines to help me audit my practice

I look at guidelines in most or all individual patient consultations where a referral might be necessary

Don't know

Use guidelines in another way