Table 2 Interview guide for the 11 GPs after inclusion of only 2 patients over 3 months

1.

How many patients, aged 18 years and above, do you refer to the surgical departments at Bispebjerg Hospital annually?

6 GPs had 5-10 patients, 2 GPs had fewer, 2 had more, and 1 did not know.

2.

How many times have you handed out the information folder since the project started?

2 GPs had handed the information folder out on one occasion, 9 had not handed it out

3.

How many times have you informed a patient about this intervention programme?

1 GP had informed once, 1 twice and 9 had not informed any patients

4.

How did the patient react to this offer?

1 patient reacted with scepticism and 1 with a positive approach (both were included)

5.

Are you satisfied with the information level from the project group?

4 GPs said no and requested more information, especially reminders, 4 GPs said yes

6.

What do you think it would take to get more patients included in the study?

The GPs told that they often forgot the project. 5 GPs mentioned that it would be easier to remember the project, if it involved all surgical patients and hospitals in the Capital Region. 1 GP said that it would take 1 1/2 year for a GP to remember a new project.

7 GPs wanted more reminders and 4 asked for more information

   *Patient-oriented suggestions: Article in the local newspaper, free folders and posters in the waiting room at the clinics.

   *GP-oriented suggestions: Personal feed-back and reminders by mail, e-mail, homepage, information card for doctor's desk, telephone call, and involving the practice secretary.

1 GP wanted to use the fax for referral rather than the telephone answering machine.