Predictors of patient-initiated reconsultation for lower respiratory tract infections in general practice

Cals, Jochen W. L., Hood, Kerenza, Aaftink, Nienke, Hopstaken, Rogier M., Francis, Nicholas Andrew, Dinant, Geert-Jan and Butler, Christopher Collett (2009) Predictors of patient-initiated reconsultation for lower respiratory tract infections in general practice. British Journal of General Practice, 59 (567), 761-764. (doi:10.3399/bjgp09X472656).

Abstract

Reconsultation for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is common in general practice, but those who reconsult rarely have more significant illness warranting antibiotics. Knowledge of factors that predict patient-initiated reconsultation may allow clinicians to address specific issues during the initial consultation that could reduce reconsultations. Thirty-three per cent of a cohort of 431 LRTI patients in a randomised controlled trial reconsulted. Excluding 35 patients with GP-requested reconsultation left 28% (112/396) with a patient-initiated reconsultation during 28-day follow-up. Patient-reported dyspnoea and concerns that persisted after the initial consultation independently predicted patient-initiated reconsultation.

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Contributors

Author: Nicholas Andrew Francis

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