What makes general practitioners order blood tests for patients with unexplained complaints? A cross-sectional study.

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Title:	What makes general practitioners order blood tests for patients with unexplained complaints? A cross-sectional study.
Author(s):	Koch, H.; Bokhoven, M.A. van; Riet, G. ter; Hessels, K.M.; Weijden, T.T. van der; Dinant, G.J.; Bindels, P.J.
Publication year:	2009
Source:	European Journal of General Practice, vol. 15, iss. 1, (2009), pp. 22-28
ISSN:	1381-4788
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1080/13814780902855762
Publication type:	Article / Letter to editor
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item : http://hdl.handle.net/2066/80947
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Subject:	NCEBP 3: Implementation Science NCEBP 3: Implementation Science
Organization:	IQ Healthcare
Former Organization:	Centre for Quality of Care Research
Journal title:	European Journal of General Practice
Volume:	vol. 15
Issue:	iss. 1
Page start:	p. 22
Page end:	p. 28
Abstract:	BACKGROUND: Approximately 13% of consultations in general practice involve patients with unexplained complaints (UCs). These consultations often end with general practitioners (GPs) ordering blood tests of questionable diagnostic informativeness. OBJECTIVE: We studied factors potentially associated with GPs' decisions to order blood tests. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Twenty-seven GPs completed registration forms after each consultation concerning newly presented UCs. RESULTS: Of the 100 analysable patients, 59 had at least one blood test ordered. The median number of ordered tests was 10 (interpercentile range [IPR-90] 2-15). Compared to abdominal complaints, the blood test ordering (BTO) probability for fatigue was five times higher (relative risk [RR] 5.2). Duration of complaints for over 4 weeks also increased this probability (RR 1.6). Factors associated with a lower BTO probability were: likelihood of background psychosocial factors (RR 0.4) and GPs having a syndrome rather than symptom type of working hypothesis (RR 0.5). CONCLUSION: We found a high rate of BTO among GPs confronted with patients with UCs. Furthermore, a considerable number of tests were ordered. The selectivity in BTO behaviour of GPs can be improved upon.