Impact of GP direct-access computerised tomography for the investigation of chronic daily headache.
Br J Gen Pract
; 60(581): 897-901, 2010 Dec.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-21144199
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Chronic daily headache is a major healthcare problem, with significant resource implications for specialist services. Since 1999, GPs in Greater Glasgow have had direct access to computerised tomography (CT) for investigation of chronic daily headache.AIM:
The purpose of this study is to assess the significance of pathology, impact of the service, and GP satisfaction.METHOD:
The direct-access CT findings in patients between 1999 and 2007 were reviewed. Radiological reports were reviewed for abnormal findings by a radiologist. A neurologist reviewed those cases with abnormalities to assess their potential causation in presenting symptoms. A questionnaire was sent to the referring GP for every patient referred for direct-access CT. Data from the Information Services Division of NHS National Services Scotland was used to estimate potential cost benefits.RESULTS:
A total of 4404 CT scans were performed. Abnormal findings were reported in 461 (10.5%), and the reported abnormalities were considered a potential causative factor for the presenting symptoms in 60 patients (1.4%). Other abnormalities mostly resulted from established cerebrovascular disease and atrophy; 986 GP questionnaires were analysed. The major body of GP opinion (n = 460, 47%) indicated that direct-access CT was their preferred choice for referral of chronic daily headache. If direct-access CT was not available, neurology (n = 448, 45%) and general medicine (n = 379, 38%) would be the commonest referral choices. This study also reveals that 86% did not require further specialist referral. Projecting the GP questionnaire data to the study group gave an approximate cost saving of at least £86 681.81.CONCLUSION:
Direct-access CT is now the preferred choice of management for patients with chronic daily headache in primary care. Patients and GPs are reassured by a normal scan in the majority of cases. There may be cost savings, although confirmation of cost-effectiveness would require further study.
Texto completo:
1
Bases de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Encaminhamento e Consulta
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Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X
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Transtornos da Cefaleia
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Medicina Geral
Tipo de estudo:
Etiology_studies
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Evaluation_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Aged80
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Child
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Br J Gen Pract
Ano de publicação:
2010
Tipo de documento:
Article