Providing census data for general practice. 2. Usefulness.

Computerized census data are described in relation to a general practice population. The previously published methods for scoring deprivation - underprivileged areas score and material deprivation score - are applied to the data. Wards and enumeration districts within a single practice area are ranked by both methods and examples show the wide variation in deprivation scores for enumeration districts within single wards. The value of these data to a general practice is discussed with particular reference to developing a profile of the practice and to planning prevention and anticipatory care.