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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Research article

GPs' reasons for referral of patients with chest pain: a qualitative study

Authors: Rudi Bruyninckx, Ann Van den Bruel, Karin Hannes, Frank Buntinx, Bert Aertgeerts

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

Prompt diagnosis of an acute coronary syndrome is very important and urgent referral to a hospital is imperative because fast treatment can be life-saving and increase the patient's life expectancy and quality of life. The aim of our study was to identify GPs' reasons for referring or not referring patients presenting with chest pain.

Methods

In a semi-structured interview, 21 GPs were asked to describe why they do or do not refer a patient presenting with chest pain. Interviews were taped, transcribed and qualitatively analysed.

Results

Histories of 21 patients were studied. Six were not referred, seven were referred to a cardiologist and eight to the emergency department. GPs' reasons for referral were background knowledge about the patient, patient's age and cost-benefit estimation, the perception of a negative attitude from the medical rescue team, recent patient contact with a cardiologist without detection of a coronary disease and the actual presentation of signs and symptoms, gut feeling, clinical examination and ECG results.

Conclusion

This study suggests that GPs believe they do not exclusively use the 'classical' signs and symptoms in their decision-making process for patients presenting with chest pain. Background knowledge about the patient, GPs' personal ideas and gut feeling are also important.
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Metadata
Title
GPs' reasons for referral of patients with chest pain: a qualitative study
Authors
Rudi Bruyninckx
Ann Van den Bruel
Karin Hannes
Frank Buntinx
Bert Aertgeerts
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-10-55

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