Determinants of referral for suspected coronary artery disease: a qualitative study based on decision thresholds.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chest pain is a frequent consultation issue in primary care, with coronary artery disease (CAD) being a serious potential cause. Primary care physicians (PCPs) assess the probability for CAD and refer patients to secondary care if necessary. Our aim was to explore PCPs' referral decisions, and to investigate determinants which influenced those decisions.

Methods

PCPs working in Hesse, Germany, were interviewed in a qualitative study. We used 'stimulated recall' with participants to discuss patients with suspected CAD. With a sample size of 26 cases from nine practices we reached inductive thematic saturation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed by inductive-deductive thematic content analysis. For the final interpretation of the mater

SUBMITTER: Winkler K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10152784 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature