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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2021

01-12-2021 | Somatoform Disorder | Research

The general practitioners perspective regarding registration of persistent somatic symptoms in primary care: a survey

Authors: Willeke M. Kitselaar, Rosalie van der Vaart, Madelon van Tilborg-den Boeft, Hedwig M. M. Vos, Mattijs E. Numans, Andrea W. M. Evers

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) are common in primary care and often accompanied by an increasing disease burden for both the patient and healthcare. In medical practice, PSS is historically considered a diagnosis by exclusion or primarily seen as psychological. Besides, registration of PSS in electronic health records (EHR) is ambiguous and possibly does not reflect classification adequately. The present study explores how general practitioners (GPs) currently register PSS, and their view regarding the need for improvements in classification, registration, and consultations.

Method

Dutch GPs were invited by email to participate in a national cross-sectional online survey. The survey addressed ICPC-codes used by GPs to register PSS, PSS-related terminology added to free text areas, usage of PSS-related syndrome codes, and GPs’ need for improvement of PSS classification, registration and care.

Results

GPs (n = 259) were most likely to use codes specific to the symptom presented (89.3%). PSS-related terminology in free-text areas was used sparsely. PSS-related syndrome codes were reportedly used by 91.5% of GPs, but this was primarily the case for the code for irritable bowel syndrome. The ambiguous registration of PSS is reported as problematic by 47.9% of GPs. Over 56.7% of GPs reported needing additional training, tools or other support for PSS classification and consultation. GPs also reported needing other referral options and better guidelines.

Conclusions

Registration of PSS in primary care is currently ambiguous. Approximately half of GPs felt a need for more options for registration of PSS and reported a need for further support. In order to improve classification, registration and care for patients with PSS, there is a need for a more appropriate coding scheme and additional training.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The general practitioners perspective regarding registration of persistent somatic symptoms in primary care: a survey
Authors
Willeke M. Kitselaar
Rosalie van der Vaart
Madelon van Tilborg-den Boeft
Hedwig M. M. Vos
Mattijs E. Numans
Andrea W. M. Evers
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-021-01525-6

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