Referrals to Specialists by GPs in Australia and the UK
Author Information
Author(s): Jiwa Moyez, Gordon Michael, Arnet Hayley, Ee Hooi, Bulsara Max, Colwell Brigitte
Primary Institution: Western Australian Centre for Cancer and Palliative Care, Curtin University of Technology
Hypothesis
How do General Practitioners determine which patients warrant referral to specialists?
Conclusion
GPs' referral decisions for patients with lower bowel symptoms are similar in Australia and the UK, but there are concerns about the evidence base for these referrals.
Supporting Evidence
- 58% of cancer vignettes were selected for urgent referral.
- 69% of all vignettes were selected for referral.
- The model explained 38.4% of the variability in referral decisions.
- The age of respondents and clinical variables significantly influenced referral decisions.
Takeaway
Doctors in Australia and the UK often refer patients with bowel problems to specialists, but they might not always follow the best guidelines.
Methodology
A structured vignette postal survey of General Practitioners in Western Australia and the UK was conducted, analyzing responses using logistic regression.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-selection of respondents and reliance on hypothetical scenarios.
Limitations
The study relied on self-reported data from GPs, which may not accurately reflect actual referral practices.
Participant Demographics
The majority of respondents were older than 40 years, with a roughly equal gender distribution and a significant number practicing in rural areas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.87, 0.91
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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