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Knowledge of the diagnostic algorithm for pulmonary embolism in primary care
B Planquette1, D Maurice2, J Peron3
1Service de pneumologie et de soins intensifs, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France; ISERM U970-PARCC, Paris, France.
European Journal of Internal Medicine
|December 16, 2014
Summary
Most French general practitioners (GPs) lack knowledge of the pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnostic algorithm, including clinical probability assessment and D-dimer interpretation. Specific training is recommended to improve PE diagnosis in primary care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Diagnostics
- Primary Care Medicine
- Thrombotic Disorders
Background:
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) diagnostic algorithms are validated in hospital settings.
- General practitioners (GPs) manage most non-critical PE cases.
- GP knowledge of PE diagnostic pathways is crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the awareness and application of the PE diagnostic algorithm among French GPs.
- To identify factors influencing GPs' knowledge of PE diagnostic procedures.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among private practice GPs in France.
- The survey included questions on PE diagnosis and two clinical case scenarios.
- Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify factors associated with knowledge.
Main Results:
- Only 30.5% of distributed questionnaires were analyzed (155 GPs).
- 55% of GPs knew clinical probability scores; 42% understood their role in D-dimer testing.
- 26% of GPs correctly managed both clinical cases; 39% managed neither correctly.
Conclusions:
- A significant gap exists in French GPs' understanding of the PE diagnostic algorithm.
- Clinical probability assessment and D-dimer interpretation knowledge are notably poor.
- Targeted training on PE and clinical probability scores is essential to enhance diagnostic accuracy in primary care.
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