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Fever in general practice. I. Frequency and diagnoses
J R Eskerud1, E Laerum, H Fagerthun
1University of Oslo, Department of General Practice, Norway.
Family Practice
|September 1, 1992
Summary
Fever is a common symptom in general practice, affecting 5% of patients. Infectious diseases were the most common cause, and receptionists managed 30% of telephone fever cases.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Fever is a common symptom but understudied in general practice.
- Limited research exists on fever management in primary care settings.
- Understanding fever prevalence and causes is crucial for effective patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency of fever in Norwegian general practice patients.
- To identify diagnoses associated with fever.
- To assess the role of receptionists in managing fever cases.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study conducted in two rural Norwegian municipalities.
- Inclusion of all general practitioners and their receptionists in the study area.
- Body temperature measurement for all direct patient encounters and recording of telephone applications.
Main Results:
- Fever was detected in 80 (5%) of 1610 direct patient encounters.
- 36% of children under 7 years old presented with fever.
- One-third of fever encounters were via telephone, with receptionists managing 30%.
Conclusions:
- Fever presents a diagnostic challenge in general practice, particularly in telephone consultations.
- The spectrum of fever diagnoses in primary care differs from hospital settings.
- Healthcare professionals, including receptionists, require awareness and training for effective fever management.