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Otitis media referrals - the general practitioner perspective
Kari J Kvaerner1, Anja B Helgaker
1Institute for Special Needs, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway. k.j.kvarner@medisin.uio.no
Summary
In Norway, most otitis media (middle ear infection) care occurs in primary settings. General medicine specialists refer fewer children, and factors like workload influence referral patterns for pediatric ear infections.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- General Practice
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Otitis media management requires coordination between primary and specialist healthcare.
- Understanding referral patterns is crucial for optimizing pediatric ear infection care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the proportion of children with otitis media referred from primary to specialist care in Norway.
- To analyze variations in referral patterns among general practitioners (GPs).
- To identify factors influencing GP referral behavior for otitis media.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 1633 Norwegian GPs in 2004.
- Data focused on GPs' views on specialist collaboration and referral routines for otitis media at first and follow-up visits.
Main Results:
- The average referral rate for otitis media was 22%, most frequently at follow-up visits.
- Referrals were predominantly to practicing otolaryngologists (73%) rather than ENT departments (27%).
- GPs specializing in general medicine showed 6% fewer referrals; workload and specialist availability influenced referral rates.
Conclusions:
- Otitis media management in Norway is primarily handled within primary care.
- Specialty training in general medicine and non-medical factors significantly impact referral behavior.
- Learning groups are suggested to enhance primary care knowledge and reduce specialist referrals.
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