Table 8 Explanation of the factors within the theme “treatments factors”
Factors | Definition | Quote |
|---|---|---|
Experience with treatment | The experiences of the GP and the patient with a certain practitioner that influenced the referral. | “In the first line, of course, we have the regular physiotherapist and the psychosomatic therapist, but I must say that I mainly refer to the Cesar therapist because we have good experiences with them” (GP1). |
Distance | The distance between the hometown of the patient and the healthcare provider. | “Patients in Haaksbergen think it is quite a big deal to go to Enschede for a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist” (GP6). |
Waiting list treatment | Healthcare institutions in the region Twente had varying waiting times and GPs took these into consideration when referring. | “…and then I prefer to refer a patient to the rehabilitation clinic, because the waiting time is not too bad” (GP5). |
Bridging waiting list | Sometimes patients were on a waiting list for treatment and were referred to another healthcare provider to bridge the time on the waiting list. | “Yes, then I try to use the practice nurse mental health to bridge the gap.” (GP1). |