Abstract
In March 1994, 141 Aberdeen general practitioners (GPs) were surveyed to clarify why Hillylands Disabled Living Centre (DLC) appeared to receive few direct referrals from this professional group. This was carried out in two stages. The first consisted of a postal questionnaire which received a 77% response rate. This identified that 90% of the 108 respondents knew of Hillylands' existence but only 24% were fully aware of the services it offered. Forty-six per cent had advised someone to visit Hillylands DLC, although only 17% of GPs had visited the centre themselves. The second stage, a telephone interview of 46 volunteer GPs, indicated that some GPs recognised a need to increase their awareness. Some felt that it was not appropriate that they visit Hillylands DLC, although those who had done so had found their visit useful. Recommendations are made to extend the mailing list at Hillylands and to set up a monitoring system to ensure regular liaison and supply of publicity material. It is also suggested that the feasibility of developing a comprehensive publicity initiative be investigated.