Showing papers on "Referral published in 1999"

Screening and Intervention for Intimate Partner Abuse: Practices and Attitudes of Primary Care Physicians

Abstract: ContextAlthough practice guidelines encouraging the screening of patients for intimate partner abuse have been available for several years, it is unclear how well and in which circumstances physicians adhere to them.ObjectiveTo describe the practices and perceptions of primary care physicians regarding intimate partner abuse screening and interventions.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsCross-sectional survey of a stratified probability sample of 900 physicians practicing family medicine, general internal medicine, and obstetrics/gynecology in California. After meeting exclusion criteria, 582 were eligible for participation in the study.Main Outcome MeasureReported abuse screening practices in a variety of clinic settings, based on a 24-item questionnaire, with responses compared by physician sex, practice setting, and intimate partner abuse training.ResultsSurveys were completed by 400 (69%) of the 582 eligible physicians, including 149 family physicians, 115 internists, and 136 obstetrician/gynecologists. Data were weighted to estimate the practices of primary care physicians in California. An estimated majority (79%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 75%-83%) of these primary care physicians routinely screen injured patients for intimate partner abuse. However, estimated routine screening was less common for new patient visits (10%; 95% CI, 7%-13%), periodic checkups (9%; 95% CI, 6%-12%), and prenatal care (11%; 95% CI, 7%-15%). Neither physician sex nor recent intimate partner abuse training had significant effects on reported new patient screening practices. Obstetrician/gynecologists (17%) and physicians practicing in public clinic settings (37%) were more likely to screen new patients. Internists (6%) and physicians practicing in health maintenance organizations (1%) were least likely to screen new patients. Commonly reported routine interventions included relaying concern for safety (91%), referral to shelters (79%) and counseling (88%), and documentation in the medical chart (89%). Commonly cited barriers to identification and referral included the patients' fear of retaliation (82%) and police involvement (55%), lack of patient disclosure (78%) and follow-up (52%), and cultural differences (56%).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that primary care physicians are missing opportunities to screen patients for intimate partner abuse in a variety of clinical situations. Further studies are needed to identify effective intervention strategies and improve adherence to intimate partner abuse practice guidelines.

Incidental findings on brain magnetic resonance imaging from 1000 asymptomatic volunteers.

Abstract: ContextPrevious reports have discussed incidental disease found on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that had been requested for an unrelated clinical concern or symptom, resulting in a selection bias for disease. However, the prevalence of unexpected abnormalities has not been studied in a healthy population.ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of incidental findings on brain MRI scans obtained for a healthy, asymptomatic population without selection bias.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsRetrospective analysis of brain MRI scans obtained between May 17, 1996, and July 25, 1997, from 1000 volunteers who participated as control subjects for various research protocols at the National Institutes of Health. All participants (age range, 3-83 years; 54.6% male) were determined to be healthy and asymptomatic by physician examination and participant history.Main Outcome MeasurePrevalence of abnormalities on brain MRI by category of finding (no referral necessary, routine referral, urgent referral [within 1 week of study], and immediate referral [within 1 to several days of study]).ResultsEighty-two percent of the MRI results were normal. Of the 18% demonstrating incidental abnormal findings, 15.1% required no referral; 1.8%, routine referral; 1.1%, urgent referral; and 0%, immediate referral. In subjects grouped for urgent referral, 2 confirmed primary brain tumors (and a possible but unconfirmed third) were found, demonstrating a prevalence of at least 0.2%.ConclusionAsymptomatic subjects present with a variety of abnormalities, providing valuable information on disease prevalence in a presumed healthy population. A small percentage of these findings require urgent medical attention and/or additional studies.

Use of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist to Screen for Psychosocial Problems in Pediatric Primary Care: A National Feasibility Study

Abstract: Background Routine use of a brief psychosocial screening instrument has been proposed as a means of improving recognition, management, and referral of children's psychosocial morbidity in primary care. Objective To assess the feasibility of routine psychosocial screening using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) in pediatrics by using a brief version of the checklist in a large sample representative of the full range of pediatric practice settings in the United States and Canada. We evaluated large-scale screening and the performance of the PSC in detecting psychosocial problems by (1) determining whether the prevalence of psychosocial dysfunction identified by the PSC was consistent with findings in previous, smaller samples; (2) assessing whether the prevalence of positive PSC screening scores varied by population subgroups; and (3) determining whether the PSC was completed by a significant proportion of parents from all subgroups and settings. Patients and Methods Twenty-one thousand sixty-five children between the ages of 4 and 15 years were seen in 2 large primary care networks: the Ambulatory Sentinel Practice Network and the Pediatric Research in Office Settings network, involving 395 pediatric and family practice clinicians in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and 4 Canadian provinces. Parents were asked to complete a brief questionnaire that included demographic information, history of mental health services, the 35-item PSC, and the number of pediatric visits within the past 6 months. Results The overall prevalence rates of psychosocial dysfunction as measured by the PSC in school-aged and preschool-aged pediatric outpatients (13% and 10%, respectively) were nearly identical to the rates that had been reported in several smaller samples (12%-14% among school-aged children and 7%-14% among preschoolers). Consistent with previous findings, children from low-income families were twice as likely to be scored as dysfunctional on the PSC than were children from higher-income families. Similarly, children from single-parent as opposed to those from 2-parent families and children with a past history of mental health services showed an elevated risk of psychosocial impairment. The current study was the first to demonstrate a 50% increase in risk of impairment for male children. The overall rate of completed forms was 97%, well within an acceptable range, and at least 94% of the parents in each sociodemographic subgroup completed the PSC form. Conclusions Use of the PSC offers an approach to the recognition of psychosocial dysfunction that is sufficiently consistent across groups and locales to become part of comprehensive pediatric care in virtually all outpatient settings. In addition to its clinical utility, the consistency and widespread acceptability of the PSC make it well suited for the next generation of pediatric mental health services research, which can address whether earlier recognition of and intervention for psychosocial problems in pediatrics will lead to cost-effective outcomes.

Prevalence, Predictors, and Consequences of Late Nephrology Referral at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract: Despite improvements in dialysis care, mortality of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) remains high. One factor that has thus far received little attention, but might contribute to morbidity and mortality, is the timing of referral to the nephrologist. This study examines the hypothesis that late referral of patients to the nephrologist might lead to suboptimal pre-ESRD care. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from the patient records and electronic databases of New England Medical Center, its affiliated dialysis unit (Dialysis Clinics, Inc., Boston), and the office records of the outpatient nephrology clinic. Early (ER) and late (LR) referral were defined by the time of first nephrology encounter greater than or less than 4 mo, respectively, before initiation of dialysis. Multivariate models were built to explore factors associated with LR, and whether LR is associated with hypoalbuminemia or late initiation of dialysis. Of the 135 patients, 30 (22%) were referred late. There were no differences in age, gender, race, and cause of ESRD between ER and LR patients. However, there were significant differences in insurance coverage between these two groups. In the multivariate analysis, patients covered by health maintenance organizations were more likely to be referred late (odds ratio = 4.5) than patients covered by Medicare. Compared to ER, LR patients were more likely to have hypoalbuminemia (56% versus 80%), hematocrit <28% (33% versus 55%), and predicted GFR <5 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (17% versus 40%) at the start of dialysis, and less likely to have received erythropoietin (40% versus 17%) or have a functioning permanent vascular access for the first hemodialysis (40% versus 4%). It is concluded that late referral to the nephrologist is common in the United States and is associated with poor pre-ESRD care. Pre-ESRD care of patients treated by nephrologists was also less than ideal. The patient-, physician-, and system-related factors behind this observation are unclear. Meanwhile, pre-ESRD educational efforts need to target patients, generalists, and nephrologists.

Primary Care Physicians' Approach to Depressive Disorders Effects of Physician Specialty and Practice Structure

Abstract: Background Because primary care physicians (PCPs) are the initial health care contact for most patients with depression, they are in a unique position to provide early detection and integrated care for persons with depression and coexisting medical illness. Despite this opportunity, care for depression is often suboptimal. Objective To better understand how to design interventions to improve care, we examine PCPs' approach to recognition and management and the effects of physician specialty and degree of capitation on barriers to care for 3 common depressive disorders. Methods A 53-item questionnaire was mailed to 3375 randomly selected subjects, divided equally among family physicians, general internists, and obstetrician-gynecologists. The questionnaire assessed reported diagnosis and treatment practices for each subject's most recent patient recognized to have major or minor depression or dysthymia and barriers to the recognition and treatment of depression. Eligible physicians were PCPs who worked at least half-time seeing outpatients for longitudinal care. Results Of 2316 physicians with known eligibility, 1350 (58.3%) returned the questionnaire. Respondents were family physicians (n = 621), general internists (n = 474), and obstetrician-gynecologists (n = 255). The PCPs report recognition and evaluation practices related to their most recent case as follows: recognition by routine questioning or screening for depression (9%), diagnosis based on formal criteria (33.7%), direct questioning about suicide (58%), and assessment for substance abuse (68.1%) or medical causes of depression (84.1%). Reported treatment practices were watchful waiting only (6.1%), PCP counseling for more than 5 minutes (39.7%), antidepressant medication prescription (72.5%), and mental health referral (38.4%). Diagnostic evaluation and treatment approaches varied significantly by specialty but not by the type of depression or degree of capitation. Physician barriers differed by specialty more than by degree of capitation. In contrast, organizational barriers, such as time for an adequate history and the affordability of mental health professionals, differed by degree of capitation more than by physician specialty. Patient barriers were common but did not vary by physician specialty or degree of capitation. Conclusions A substantial proportion of PCPs report diagnostic and treatment approaches that are consistent with high-quality care. Differences in approach were associated more with specialty than with type of depressive disorder or degree of capitation. Quality improvement efforts need to (1) be tailored for different physician specialties, (2) emphasize the importance of differentiating major depression from other depressive disorders and tailoring the treatment approach accordingly, and (3) address organizational barriers to best practice and knowledge gaps about depression treatment.

Challenges in palliative care research; recruitment, attrition and compliance: experience from a randomized controlled trial

Abstract: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in palliative cancer care often experience methodological problems. In this paper we discuss issues of major concern, including recruitment, patient attrition and compliance, arising from an RCT that compared comprehensive palliative care to conventional care. The main criteria for trial entry were incurable malignant disease and a survival expectancy of between 2 and 9 months. Patients' health-related quality of life (HRQL), self-assessed by multi-item questionnaires, was a defined endpoint. The planned number of patients was successfully recruited, although the patients were referred late in the course of their disease so that follow-up tended to be short. Compliance in completing HRQL questionnaires was good up to 1 month before the patient's death; but in the final weeks it was found to drop substantially. Based on our experience, recommendations are given for those planning similar research. Procedures for improving patient recruitment are suggested, stressing the need for local data management, repeated information to referral sources, extensive screening for potentially eligible patients and simple referral routines. Precise inclusion criteria, including prognostic factors other than physicians' estimates of life expectancy, should be used to ensure a sufficient follow-up period. For HRQL assessment, multi-item questionnaires can achieve excellent compliance up to 1 month before patients' death, but in order to evaluate the very final weeks of life we recommend the use of simpler methods.

Resolving the gatekeeper conundrum: what patients value in primary care and referrals to specialists.

Abstract: ContextFew data are available regarding how patients view the role of primary care physicians as "gatekeepers" in managed care systems.ObjectiveTo determine the extent to which patients value the role of their primary care physicians as first-contact care providers and coordinators of referrals, whether patients perceive that their primary care physicians impede access to specialists, and whether problems in gaining access to specialists are associated with a reduction in patients' trust and confidence in their primary care physicians.Design, Setting, and PatientsCross-sectional survey mailed in the fall of 1997 to 12,707 adult patients who were members of managed care plans and received care from 10 large physician groups in California. The response rate among eligible patients was 71%. A total of 7718 patients (mean age, 66.7 years; 32% female) were eligible for analysis.Main Outcome MeasuresQuestionnaire items addressed 3 main topics: (1) patient attitudes toward the first-contact and coordinating role of their primary care physicians, (2) patients' ratings of their primary care physicians (trust and confidence in and satisfaction with), and (3) patient perceptions of barriers to specialty referrals. Referral barriers were analyzed as predictors of patients' ratings of their physicians.ResultsAlmost all patients valued the role of a primary care physician as a source of first-contact care (94%) and coordinator of referrals (89%). Depending on the specific medical problem, 75% to 91% of patients preferred to seek care initially from their primary care physicians rather than specialists. Twenty-three percent reported that their primary care physicians or medical groups interfered with their ability to see specialists. Patients who had difficulty obtaining referrals were more likely to report low trust (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1-3.5), low confidence (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6-2.9), and low satisfaction (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 2.6-4.2 ) with their primary care physicians.ConclusionsPatients value the first-contact and coordinating role of primary care physicians. However, managed care policies that emphasize primary care physicians as gatekeepers impeding access to specialists undermine patients' trust and confidence in their primary care physicians.

The recognition, assessment and management of dementing disorders: conclusions from the Canadian Consensus Conference on Dementia.

Abstract: Objective: To develop evidence based consensus statements on which to build clinical practice guidelines for primary care physicians toward the recognition, assessment and management of dementing disorders and to disseminate and evaluate the impact of these statements and guidelines built on these statements. Options: Structured approach to assessment, including recommended laboratory tests, choices for neuroimaging and referral, management of complications (especially behavioural problems and depression) and use of cognitive enhancing agents. Potential outcomes: Consistent and improved clinical care of persons with dementia; cost containment by more selective use of laboratory investigations, neuroimaging and referrals; and appropriate use of cognitive enhancing agents. Evidence: Authors of each background paper were entrusted to perform a literature search, discover additional relevant material, including references cited in retrieved articles, consult with other experts in the field and then synthesize information. Standard rules of evidence were applied. Based on this evidence, consensus statements were developed by a group of experts, guided by a steering committee of 8 individuals, from the areas of Neurology, Geriatric Medicine, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Preventive Health Care and Health Care Systems. Values: Recommendations have been developed with particular attention to the context of primary care, and are intended to support family physicians in their ongoing assessment and care of patients with dementia. Benefits, harm and costs: Potential for improved clinical care of people with dementia. A dissemination and evaluation strategy will attempt to measure the impact of the recommendations. Recommendations: Forty-eight recommendations are offered that address the following aspects of dementia care: early recognition; importance of careful history and examination in making a positive diagnosis; essential laboratory tests; rules for neuroimaging and referral; disclosure of diagnosis; importance of monitoring and providing support to caregivers; cultural aspects; detection and treatment of depression; observation and management of behavioural disturbances; detection and reporting of unsafe motor vehicle driving; genetic factors and opportunities for preventing dementia; pharmacological treatment with particular emphasis on cognitive enhancing agents. Validation: Four other sets of consensus statement or guidelines have been published recently. These recommendations are generally congruent with our own consensus statements. The consensus statements have been endorsed by relevant bodies in Canada. Sponsors: Funding was provided by equal contributions from 7 pharmaceutical companies and by a grant from the Consortium of Canadian Centres for Clinical Cognitive Research. Contributions were received from 2 Canadian universities (McGill, McMaster). Several societies supported delegates attending the conference.

Guidelines for referral and management of systemic lupus erythematosus in adults

Abstract: SLE is a complex disorder with variable presentations, course, and prognosis. Since its prevalence is only 1/1,000, most primary care physicians and general internists will not have sufficient experience in the management of moderate-to-severe life-threatening disease. The major tasks of the primary care physician in the diagnosis and management of patients with SLE include early diagnosis, appropriate referral, monitoring patients with mild, stable disease, and collaboration with a specialist in the management of severe disease. Guidelines for the initial evaluation, reasons for referral, and management of mild and severe SLE are provided.

Policy and Practice Organizing delivery care: what works for safe motherhood?

Abstract: The various means of delivering essential obstetric services are described for settings in which the maternal mortality ratio is relatively low. This review yields four basic models of care, which are best described by organizational characteristics relating to where women give birth and who performs deliveries. In Model 1, deliveries are conducted at home by a community member who has received brief training. In Model 2, delivery takes place at home but is performed by a professional. In Model 3, delivery is performed by a professional in a basic essential obstetric care facility, and in Model 4 all women give birth in a comprehensive essential obstetric care facility with the help of professionals. In each of these models it is assumed that providers do not increase the risk to women, either iatrogenically or through traditional practices. Although there have been some successes with Model 1, there is no evidence that it can provide a maternal mortality ratio under 100 per 100 000 live births. If strong referral mechanisms are in place the introduction of a professional attendant can lead to a marked reduction in the maternal mortality ratio. Countries using Models 2‐4, involving the use of professional attendants at delivery, have reduced maternal mortality ratios to 50 or less per 100 000. However, Model 4, although arguably the most advanced, does not necessarily reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 100 per 100 000. It appears that not all countries are ready to adopt Model 4, and its affordability by many developing countries is doubtful. There are few data making it possible to determine which configuration with professional attendance is the most cost-effective, and what the constraints are with respect to training, skill maintenance, supervision, regulation, acceptability to women, and other criteria. A successful transition to Models 2‐4 requires strong links with the community through either traditional providers or popular demand.

Organizing delivery care : What works for safe motherhood?

Abstract: The various means of delivering essential obstetric services are described for settings in which the maternal mortality ratio is relatively low. This review yields four basic models of care, which are best described by organizational characteristics relating to where women give birth and who performs deliveries. In Model 1, deliveries are conducted at home by a community member who has received brief training. In Model 2, delivery takes place at home but is performed by a professional. In Model 3, delivery is performed by a professional in a basic essential obstetric care facility, and in Model 4 all women give birth in a comprehensive essential obstetric care facility with the help of professionals. In each of these models it is assumed that providers do not increase the risk to women, either iatrogenically or through traditional practices. Although there have been some successes with Model 1, there is no evidence that it can provide a maternal mortality ratio under 100 per 100,000 live births. If strong referral mechanisms are in place the introduction of a professional attendant can lead to a marked reduction in the maternal mortality ratio. Countries using Models 2-4, involving the use of professional attendants at delivery, have reduced maternal mortality ratios to 50 or less per 100,000. However, Model 4, although arguably the most advanced, does not necessarily reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 100 per 100,000. It appears that not all countries are ready to adopt Model 4, and its affordability by many developing countries is doubtful. There are few data making it possible to determine which configuration with professional attendance is the most cost-effective, and what the constraints are with respect to training, skill maintenance, supervision, regulation, acceptability to women, and other criteria. A successful transition to Models 2-4 requires strong links with the community through either traditional providers or popular demand.

Indications for referral and assessment in adult liver transplantation: a clinical guideline

Abstract: This document, on the indications and referral of patients for liver transplantation, was commissioned by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) as part of a wider initiative to develop guidelines for clinicians in several areas of clinical practice. The role of transplantation in end stage liver disease has reached a period of stability following a phase of rapid development over the past two decades. Emerging from an experimental high risk procedure to one where survival and rehabilitation is anticipated, it is appropriate to review the present evidence and synthesise this into a framework document for referring clinicians. Guidelines are not rigid protocols and they should not be construed as interfering with local clinical judgement. Hence, they do not represent a directive of prescribed routes but a basis upon which clinicians can consider the option of transplantation more clearly. These guidelines tackle the inter-related topics of the indications and optimal referral practice for liver transplantation. Between 1980 and 1990, after several clinical advances, liver transplantation became established as the preferred treatment in a range of acute and chronic end stage liver disorders. Patient survival rates have improved steadily (⩾90% survival at one year is now achievable in low risk elective recipients) with an accompanying rapid expansion in liver transplant services. Hence, a considerable wealth of experience is now available for review and from which recommendations on indications for transplantation and patient selection can be derived. Optimising referral practice to tertiary centres for transplantation is also tackled and the importance of the clinical status of the patient at the time of transplantation on the subsequent outcome of the procedure is reviewed. Delays in referral and extended waiting times for transplantation can allow unfavourable complications of advanced liver disease to supervene thereby jeopardising the outcome. Guidelines are proposed on the two core questions: …

A systematic review of foot ulcer in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. I: prevention.

Abstract: Summary Aim To evaluate the role of preventative strategies in reducing foot ulcers in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus, both in the general population and those identified to be at a raised risk. Method A systematic review of interventions to prevent diabetic foot ulcers. Results Available studies are generally unsatisfactory in their ability to answer the important questions relating to prevention. However, where people with diabetes receive well-organized and regular care with rapid referral to appropriate specialist multidisciplinary teams when problems (or their precursors) occur, ulcer morbidity can be substantially reduced. Conclusion Foot ulcers are common in people with diabetes and are costly in terms of both patient morbidity and the use of healthcare resources. Although it is nearly a decade since the St Vincent Declaration called for a marked reduction in morbidity to be achieved through better patient management, available evidence suggests that the process of care in Britain is still very variable in quality. Foot care for people with diabetes must be organized to provide monitoring, education and referral in a manner acceptable to patients and realistic for local healthcare providers.

Somatization in Pediatric Primary Care: Association With Psychopathology, Functional Impairment, and Use of Services

Abstract: Objective To determine whether classification as pediatric “somatizers‘’ identifies a group of children and adolescents at high risk for psychopathology, functional impairment, and frequent use of health services in a large, multisite study of pediatric primary care. Method Parental reports of frequent aches and pains and visits to the doctor for medically unexplained symptoms in children aged 4 to 15 years were used to construct a classification of somatization in pediatric primary care. Affected and unaffected children and adolescents were compared on measures of demographics, family functioning, psychopathology, functional status, and service use. Results Classification as a somatizer was more common in adolescents, females, minority subjects, urban practices, nonintact families, and families with lower levels of parental education and was associated with heightened risk of clinician- and parent-identified psychopathology, family dysfunction, poor school performance and attendance, perceived health impairment, and more frequent use of health and mental health services. Conclusions Children classified as pediatric somatizers are at heightened risk for psychiatric disorder, family dysfunction, functional impairment, and frequent use of health services. Additional research is warranted, and clinicians should recognize the need for careful assessment and potential behavioral health referral in this population. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1999, 38(9):1093–1101.

A systematic review of the literature exploring the role of primary care in genetic services.

Abstract: Background In response to growing demands on genetics departments and advances in genetic medicine, it has been proposed that primary care should provide a frontline service in clinical genetics. However, there are concerns that primary care may be unwilling or ill prepared to take on this new role. Objectives This study aimed to review systematically the literature exploring the role of primary care in delivering genetic services, and define potential methods of supporting primary care in the provision of genetics services. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched. This was complemented by contacting experts in the field and handsearching reference lists. In total, 230 papers were identified, including traditional reviews, of which 96 were examined in detail. Fifty-one papers are included in this review. On account of the heterogeneity of papers identified, we conducted a qualitative synthesis of the results, focusing on five key questions. Results GPs accept that they have an increasing role to play in genetics, but lack confidence in their ability to do so because of limited knowledge of clinical genetics. Evidence from pilot studies of cystic fibrosis screening provides the strongest evidence for the feasibility of providing genetic services in primary care. Conclusions Although genetic issues currently constitute a relatively small part of the overall workload in primary care, this will almost certainly change in the light of new genetic discoveries. Educational programmes and referral guidelines, computer decision support and genetic nurse specialist outreach clinics may provide useful methods of supporting GPs in the new field of primary care genetics.

A Comparison of Four Batterer Intervention Systems Do Court Referral, Program Length, and Services Matter?

Abstract: A comparative multisite evaluation was conducted in four geographically distributed cities to examine the relative effectiveness of different approaches. The intervention systems represented a range of court-referral procedures (pretrial or postconviction), program duration (3 months to 9 months), and additional services (occasional referral or in-house alcohol treatment). 210 men at each site were recruited and tested (background, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory, Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test). The batterers' partners were interviewed by phone every 3 months over a 15-month follow-up after intake, with a response rate of 77% overall. There was no significant difference in the reassault rate, portion of men making threats, and victim quality of life across the four sites. The longest, most comprehensive program did, however, have a significantly lower rate of severe reassault substantiated in a logistic regression controlling for background variables. The findings suggest that differing interven...

Left in limbo: patients' views on care across the primary/secondary interface.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To discover the views of patients about their experiences across the interface between primary and secondary health care, including referral from general practitioners, outpatient and inpatient care, discharge, and aftercare. DESIGN: A qualitative study involving individual and focus group interviews of patients and interviews of carers. SUBJECTS: 33 patients who had attended at least one outpatient appointment or had been an inpatient between two and four months previously, and eight carers of patients with chronic conditions. SETTING: Three acute hospitals and one community health service in Leicestershire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Common themes in the views of patients and carers towards their experiences of care. RESULTS: Five themes emerged. The first four were: "getting in" (access to appropriate care), "fitting in" (orientation of care to the patient's requirements), "knowing what's going on" (provision of information), and "continuity" (continuity of staff and coordination and communication among professionals). The fifth theme was "limbo" (difficulty in making progress through the system), which was influenced by failures in care in relation to the other four themes. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of progress is central to patients' views of care. It involves both progress through the healthcare system and progress towards recovery or adjustment to an altered health state. Patients' views on how well they progress through the healthcare system may be an appropriate indicator for monitoring health service performance.

The scope of unmet maternal health needs in pediatric settings.

Abstract: Objective. Previous work has focused attention on the prevalence of specific maternal health problems known to affect children, such as smoking or depression. However, the cumulative health burden experienced by mothers and the potential for a practical pediatric health services response have not been examined. The aims of this study were to characterize: 1) the prevalence and cumulative burden of maternal health behaviors and conditions, 2) maternal access to a source of comprehensive adult primary care, and 3) maternal perceptions of a pediatric role in screening and referral. Methods. We surveyed 559 consecutive women bringing a child 18 months of age or less to one of four pediatric primary care sites between July 1996 and May 1997. The pediatric sites included one outpatient program in an academic hospital, one in a community health center, and two in-staff model practices of a managed care organization (these last two were combined for analysis). The self-administered questionnaire contained previously validated questions to assess health behaviors and conditions (smoking, alcohol abuse, depression, violence, risk for unintended pregnancy, serious illness, self-reported health) and access to care (regular source, regular provider, health insurance, care delayed or not received). Maternal attitudes toward a pediatric role in screening and referral were also elicited. Results. In the three settings, response rates ranged from 75% to 84%. The average age of the women ranged from 25.1 to 32.1 years and the average age of the children ranged from 6.5 to 8.0 months. Across the settings, the percentage of women reporting at least one health condition (66%–74%) was similarly high, despite significant demographic differences among sites. Many women reported more than one condition (31%–37%); among all women who smoked, 33% also screened positive for alcohol abuse, 31% for emotional or physical abuse, and 48% for depression. Access to comprehensive adult primary care was variable with 23% to 58% of women reporting one or more barriers depending on the site. Across all sites, >85% of mothers reported they would “not mind” or “would welcome” a pediatric role in screening and referral. Conclusions. Two-thirds of women bringing their children for pediatric care had health problems regardless of the site of care. Many women also reported substantial barriers to comprehensive health care. Most women reported acceptance of a pediatric role in screening and referral. Given the range and depth of maternal health needs, strategies to connect or reconnect mothers to comprehensive adult primary care from a variety of pediatric settings should be explored.

The Pediatric Primary-Specialty Care Interface How Pediatricians Refer Children and Adolescents to Specialty Care

Abstract: Objective: To describe how pediatricians refer patients to specialists, including frequency of referral decisions, reasons for referral, and types of referrals. Design: We conducted a prospective study of visits (N = 58 771) made to 142 pediatricians in a national primary care practice‐based research network. During 20 consecutive practice days, physicians and parents completed questionnaires for referred patients, and office staff kept logs of all visits. Physicians used medical records to complete questionnaires 3 months after referrals were made. Results: Pediatricians referred patients to specialists during 2.3% of office visits. Referrals made during telephone conversations with parents accounted for 27.5% of all referrals. The most common reason for referral was advice on diagnosis or treatment (74.3%). Referrals were made most commonly to surgical subspecialists (52.3%), followed by medical subspecialists (27.9%), nonphysicians (11.4%), and mental health practitioners (8.4%). Physicians requested a consultation or a referral with shared management in 75% of cases. Otitis media was the condition referred most often (9.2%). Fifty other conditions accounted for 84.3% of all referrals. Conclusions: About 1 in 40 pediatric visits result in referral. Getting advice from a specialist is the most common reason for referral. Pediatricians desire a collaborative relationship with specialists for most of their referred patients. Physician training to increase clinical competence may be most useful for the 50 most commonly referred conditions. Education concerning the referral process should focus on the respective roles of the referring physician and specialist, particularly as they pertain to successful approaches for comanaging referred patients. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1999;153:705-714

Pain treatment and outcomes for patients with advanced cancer who receive follow-up care at home

Abstract: BACKGROUND A small sample size, a high rate of exclusions, inadequate follow-up in different settings, and a lack of comparison with previous levels of analgesia have recently been reported to be the principal limitations of the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines regarding cancer pain. METHODS A total of 3678 consecutive patients with advanced cancer referred to a home palliative care program were enrolled in an open prospective study over a 9-year period, from June 1988 to June 1997, to determine the effectiveness, safety, and feasibility of implementing the WHO guidelines. Age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, pain mechanism at referral, pain and symptom intensity, and doses and days of drug administration during the course of the treatment were recorded at regular intervals. RESULTS Therapy was required for 70.3% of patients for a mean duration of 64 days. The mean duration periods of the 3 steps were 18, 27, and 19 days, respectively. At referral, most patients received inadequate treatment. In the last week of life, 16%, 49%, and 35% of patients were taking nonopioid drugs, moderate opioids, and strong opioids, respectively. A significant improvement in pain and symptom intensity was achieved after referral. Symptom intensity worsened in the last week of life. A minority of patients (2.65%) underwent invasive procedures. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a managed home care system enables patients to receive adequate pain treatment, according to WHO guidelines, in the comfort of their own homes. [See editorial on pages 1645–8, this issue.] Cancer 1999;85:1849–58. © 1999 American Cancer Society.

Development and technical basis of simplified guidelines for emergency triage assessment and treatment in developing countries

Abstract: Simplified guidelines for the emergency care of children have been developed to improve the triage and rapid initiation of appropriate emergency treatments for children presenting to hospitals in developing countries. The guidelines are part of the effort to improve referral level paediatric care within the World Health Organisation/Unicef strategy integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI), based on evidence of significant deficiencies in triage and emergency care. Existing emergency guidelines have been modified according to resource limitations and significant differences in the epidemiology of severe paediatric illness and preventable death in developing countries with raised infant and child mortality rates. In these settings, it is important to address the emergency management of diarrhoea with severe dehydration, severe malaria, severe malnutrition, and severe bacterial pneumonia, and to focus attention on sick infants younger than 2 months of age. The triage assessment relies on a few clinical signs, which can be readily taught so that it can be used by health workers with limited clinical background. The assessment has been designed so that it can be carried out quickly if negative, making it functional for triaging children in queues.

GPs' views on their role in cancer genetics services and current practice.

Abstract: Results. GPs identified their role to be: taking a family history; making appropriate referrals to specialist services; providing emotional support; teaching breast self-examination; and discussing need for screening. Lack of confidence within this role was reflected in low levels of understanding of cancer genetics and in inappropriate referral practices. Concerns were expressed about the increasingly specialist role demanded of primary care. A desire for referral guidelines and community genetics clinics was identified. Conclusions. GPs readily identify a role for themselves in cancer genetics services, but admit to a lack of confidence in this area, calling for clear referral guidelines and specialist community support. Current inappropriate referral to specialist services results from a lack of confidence in estimating cancer risk, highlighting the need for the development of clear referral criteria. Given the rapidly increasing demand for cancer genetics services and the vital role of primary care, it is important to identify a model of these services that facilitates effective involvement of GPs without further increasing their workload.

The first contact of patients with schizophrenia with psychiatric services: social factors and pathways to care in a multi-ethnic population

Abstract: BACKGROUND: African-Caribbean patients have less desirable routes of entry into the psychiatric services than other ethnic groups in Britain but this may not apply to the first contact with services. METHODS: Patients' pathways to care, type of admission or referral and sectioning details were recorded for all first contact patients presenting to south London psychiatric services over a 2-year period. We also conducted a retrospective analysis of data from the Camberwell Register, comparing rates of compulsory admission between 'Whites' and 'African-Caribbeans' for first and readmissions, over a 20-year period. RESULTS: Our first contact sample comprised 38 White, 38 African-Caribbean and 24 Asian patients with CATEGO defined broad schizophrenia. GP referral was found to be the most common mode of contact and there were no significant differences between the ethnic groups with regard to compulsory admission. Similarly, data from the Camberwell Register showed no significant difference in rates of compulsory admission between first admission White and African-Caribbean patients. However, when all readmissions were examined, African-Caribbeans were more likely to be admitted involuntarily. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that reports of less desirable routes of entry for African-Caribbean patients into the psychiatric service do not apply to their first admission but are likely to develop over time and repeated contact with the services.

Primary Care Physicians Should Be Coordinators, Not Gatekeepers

Abstract: Primary care gatekeeping, in which the goal of the primary care physician (PCP) is to reduce patient referrals to specialists and thereby reduce costs, is not an adequate system in which to practice medicine. However, returning to the pre–managed care model of uncoordinated open access to specialists is a poor solution. The primary care model should be retained, but PCPs should be transformed from gatekeepers into coordinators of care, in which the goal of the PCP is to integrate both primary and specialty care to improve quality. Changes in the PCP's daily work process, as well as the referral and payment processes, need to be implemented to reach this goal. This model would eliminate the requirement that referrals to specialists be authorized by the primary care physician or managed care organization. Financial incentives would be needed, eg, to encourage PCPs to provide management of complex cases and discourage both overreferral and underreferral to specialists. Budgeting specialists should control excess costs that might be created by the elimination of the primary care gatekeeper. Pilot projects are needed to test and refine this model of PCP as coordinator of care.

Changing physicians' practices: the effect of individual feedback.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether physicians who received feedback from six peers, six referring/referral physicians, six co-workers, and 25 patients about 55 aspects of their medical practices (e.g., able to reach doctor by phone after office hours) would make changes to their practices based on that