Abstract
This research aimed to assess whether information in general practitioner (GP) referral letters provides a basis for selection of diagnostic tests in patients. We undertook a prospective study within a respiratory outpatients department to compare the diagnostic tests planned at three stages of the referral/specialist consultation process: i) using the GP referral letter alone; ii) using the referral letter and patient history; iii) using the referral letter, patient history, and clinical examination.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 248-253 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Primary Care Respiratory Journal |
Volume | 19 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sep 2010 |
Keywords
- respiratory disease
- patient care
- GP referrals