Regional variations in outpatient activity in England and Wales

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Abstract
Regional variations in outpatient activity in the NHS in England and Wales were analysed for the years 1974 to 1982 using routine statistics. In 1982, outpatient attendances per head of population, total: new outpatient ratios, and attendances per clinic session within specialties varied considerably between regional health authorities. In half the specialties, a threefold or greater difference in attendances per population occurred between the highest and lowest regions. The extent of variation indicates that further investigations into outpatient activity are required. The variation in total: new outpatient ratios suggests scope for reducing follow-up attendances: a reduction in follow-up attendances to the lowest regional ratios for each specialty could decrease annual attendances by 5 million in England and Wales.

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