Challenges of diagnosis and management of giant cell arteritis in general practice: a multimethods study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In the UK, general practitioners (GPs) are usually the first medical contact for patients with suspected giant cell arteritis (GCA). While rare, it is critical not to miss, as delayed treatment can lead to significant complications including permanent visual loss. To date, little is known about the approach and challenges to diagnosis and management of GCA by GPs.

Objective

To investigate the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected GCA in UK general practice.

Design and participants

A multimethods approach was taken, comprising a postal survey of 5000 randomly selected UK GPs and semistructured telephone interviews of 24 GPs from across the UK.

Setting

UK general practice.

Results

1249 questionnaires were returned. 879 responders (

SUBMITTER: Helliwell T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5829930 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature