How to decide adequately? Qualitative study of GPs' view on decision-making in self-referred and physician-referred emergency department consultations in Berlin, Germany.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Patients with acute symptoms present not only to general practitioners (GPs), but also frequently to emergency departments (EDs). Patients' decision processes leading up to an ED self-referral are complex and supposed to result from a multitude of determinants. While they are key providers in primary care, little is known about GPs' perception of such patients. This qualitative study explores the GPs' view regarding motives and competences of patients self-referring to EDs, and also GPs' rationale for or against physician-initiated ED referrals.

Design

Qualitative study with semi-structured, face-to-face interviews; qualitative content analysis.

Setting

GP practices in Berlin, Germany.

Participants

15 GPs (female/male: 9/6; mean age 53.6 years).

R

SUBMITTER: Oslislo S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6500203 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature