Predictors of treatment outcomes for patients with persistent physical symptoms in primary care: findings from a cluster randomised controlled trial
2024

Predictors of Treatment Outcomes for Patients with Persistent Physical Symptoms

Sample size: 231 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Abrahamsen Cathrine, Wangen Knut Reidar, Lindbaek Morten, Werner Erik Lønnmark

Primary Institution: University of Oslo

Hypothesis

Patients with depression and those manifesting multiple symptoms would face an elevated risk of experiencing an unfavourable treatment outcome.

Conclusion

Living alone and receiving long-term benefits are significant predictors of improved outcomes for patients treated with the ICIT.

Supporting Evidence

  • Living alone predicted improvement in the adjusted model.
  • Receiving long-term benefits predicted improved PGIC in both unadjusted and adjusted models.
  • Living alone predicted reduced sick leave in the adjusted model.

Takeaway

This study found that patients who live alone or receive long-term benefits are more likely to improve when treated with a special communication tool by their doctor.

Methodology

Regression analyses of the intervention group were used to identify predictors of improvements in Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC) and sick leave after 11 weeks follow-up.

Potential Biases

Finding clear connections between participant characteristics and the efficacy of the conversation tool may be challenging due to the high percentage of participants reporting improvements.

Limitations

The study had a relatively short follow-up period of 11 weeks, which may not capture long-term outcomes.

Participant Demographics

84% female, average age 45 years, 58% reported feelings of depression within the past week.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.014, 0.011, 0.040, 0.032

Confidence Interval

1.33 to 12.25, 1.21 to 4.39, 1.04 to 5.83, 1.11 to 9.42

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3399/BJGPO.2024.0004

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