Study on Frequent Attenders in Primary Care
Author Information
Author(s): Frans ThM Smits, Henk J Brouwer, Gerben ter Riet, Henk CP van Weert
Primary Institution: Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam
Hypothesis
Can persistent frequent attenders be distinguished from 1-year frequent attenders and non-frequent attenders based on their morbidity and healthcare usage?
Conclusion
Persistent frequent attenders consume more healthcare and have more social and psychiatric problems compared to non-frequent attenders and 1-year frequent attenders.
Supporting Evidence
- 15.4% of 1-year frequent attenders became persistent frequent attenders.
- Persistent frequent attenders were responsible for 8% of all consultations despite being only 1.6% of the patient population.
- Persistent frequent attenders had more chronic diseases and received more prescriptions for psychotropic medication.
Takeaway
Some patients go to the doctor a lot, and this study found that many of them have serious health issues. If you go to the doctor a lot, you might need more help than just medicine.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 28,860 adult patients over three years, categorizing them into non-frequent, 1-year frequent, and persistent frequent attenders based on their consultation rates.
Potential Biases
Potential underreporting of medical problems for patients with low consultation frequency.
Limitations
The study's data is limited to what GPs know and register, which may lead to underreporting of problems.
Participant Demographics
Patients were from five primary healthcare centers in Amsterdam, with a lower socio-economic level and more non-western descent than the general Dutch population.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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