FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the commonest reasons for consultations with
GPs?
A. In the WRS we collect data on the
assessment diagnoses or working diagnoses made by GPs not on the
patient’s reason for consultation; therefore posed in
this way the question cannot be answered. Even though we
collect information on all conditions, it depends how you group
them together when addressing this question. If you wish to
consider all respiratory or all mental illnesses together as a
group, we can provide an answer, but people are usually more
interested in specific illnesses such as bronchitis or depression
and to make sense of the information you need to examine the data
in relation to other similar conditions.
Q. How far back does the data go?
A.
Data are available for a few selected conditions from 1967 to 1993
in smaller age bands and in greater age bands from
1994-1998. From 1999 to the present date data are available for all
consultations in greater age bands.
Q. Is the patient
identifiable from the data you receive from practices?
A. No - all
data are completely anonymised.
Q. Do you charge a fee for providing data?
A.
Our aim is to make as much data as possible freely available on
this webpage. Other detailed age specific information can be made
available at cost depending on the purpose and work involved.
The Centre is willing to consider detailed enquiries in the
dataset subject to appropriate funding.
We are happy to answer any specific
questions you may have. Please email Enquiries or
telephone the Centre on 0121 426 1125.