General practice--a quantitative study, 1. Workload and morbidity variation.

: A unique continuous 13-year morbidity database provides the foundation for a statistical analysis of general practice in an urban environment. Based on the Royal College of General Practitioners classification of morbidity this paper offers an objective assessment of both the level and variation in morbidity activity in general practice. Specification demographic characteristics of the individual patients are utilised to identify factors which can constrain general practice. Knowledge of such influences may be utilised in practice management and preventative medicine to provide a higher level of primary health care.