Referral Patterns for Dementia Patients in Germany
Author Information
Author(s): van den Bussche Hendrik, Wiese Birgitt, Koller Daniela, Eisele Marion, Kaduszkiewicz Hanna, Maier Wolfgang, Glaeske Gerd, Steinmann Susanne, Wegscheider Karl, Schön Gerhard
Primary Institution: Institute of Primary Medical Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
Hypothesis
To analyze the referral processes from general practitioners to specialists and among specialists for dementia patients in Germany.
Conclusion
Referral rates to relevant specialists for dementia patients are much lower than recommended by German guidelines.
Supporting Evidence
- 34% of incident cases had at least one contact with a neuropsychiatrist during the year of incidence.
- Referrals to clinical chemistry for dementia-specific reasons were negligible.
- Only 13.5% of patients were referred to radiology for imaging.
Takeaway
Doctors need to send more dementia patients to specialists, but they often don't, even though it's recommended.
Methodology
Claims data from 1,848 dementia patients and 7,392 matched controls were analyzed over two years.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of referrals and misdiagnosis may affect the results.
Limitations
The study may not capture all relevant referral processes and relies on claims data, which can have inaccuracies.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 78.72 years, with 47.6% being women.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
CI: 0.92 - 0.94
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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