How often do patients attend general practice, how often are they referred to hospital, and how do multi-morbidity and polypharmacy affect general practice attendance and referral rates?

As age, morbidity and number of medications rise, so too do all types of consultations in general practice. However, the rate of referral remains relatively stable. General practice must be supported to provide person-centred care to an ageing population with rising rates of multi-morbidity and polypharmacy.