Communication between primary care and physician specialist: is it improving?
B Biagetti1, A Aulinas1, B Dalama1
1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vall d'Hebron Hospital, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Summary
A new consulting system significantly improved communication between primary care and specialized endocrinology in Spain. General practitioners reported increased confidence in managing hypothyroidism and diabetes, with a substantial reduction in patient referrals.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare communication
- Primary care-specialty collaboration
- Endocrinology referral pathways
Background:
- Spain is enhancing primary care and specialized care communication.
- Traditional communication models face challenges in efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze the impact of a new communication model (consulting system) versus a traditional system.
- Evaluate general practitioner satisfaction and patient referral rates.
Main Methods:
- Assessed general practitioner satisfaction via questionnaires (n=30) before and after implementation.
- Monitored patient referral numbers to endocrinology over 18 months.
Main Results:
- The consulting system was preferred for communication with endocrinologists.
- General practitioners felt more confident managing hypothyroidism and diabetes.
- Patient referrals decreased from 93.8 to 34.6 per month.
Conclusions:
- The consulting system is more efficient and responsive than the traditional model.
- Enhanced self-management of common endocrine conditions by general practitioners.
- Significant reduction in specialized care referrals observed.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Secondary Healthcare System
2.2K
Secondary healthcare is offered by a specialist, generally in hospitals or clinics for patients referred by primary healthcare providers. It occurs when a person has an illness or injury that requires specific medical care. Secondary care is often referred to as acute care. Secondary care can range from uncomplicated care to repair a minor laceration or treat a strep throat infection to more complicated emergent care, such as treating a head injury sustained in an automobile accident. Whatever...
2.2K
01:21Tertiary Healthcare System
2.4K
Specialized care provided over an extended period is called tertiary care. Usually, a primary or secondary care physician will refer a patient to tertiary care. A patient's maximum physical and mental function is restored in tertiary care, which is caused due to the impact of a chronic illness or condition. Tertiary care aims to achieve the highest level of functioning possible while managing chronic illness. For example, a patient who falls and fractures their hip will need secondary care...
2.4K
01:21Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
2.9K
An interdisciplinary team includes many healthcare professionals working together and utilizing their skills, knowledge, and expertise to provide holistic and quality patient care.
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
2.9K
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
2.7K
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
2.7K
01:21Barriers to Effective Communication II
5.7K
The barriers to effective communication also include cultural barriers, semantic barriers, gender barriers, and time constraints.
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
Cultural barriers:
Differences in values, beliefs, religion, knowledge, and tradition can significantly impact communication. Awareness of nonverbal cues is critical, especially when conversing with a patient from a different culture. What appears appropriate in one culture may be inappropriate in another.
Semantic barriers:
As a result of their tendency to use...
5.7K
01:15Methods of Documentation VI: Case Management Model
1.0K
The case management model is a multidisciplinary approach that involves healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, such as physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and pharmacists, working collaboratively to address the various needs of patients. Each healthcare professional brings unique expertise and perspectives, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition and tailoring treatment plans accordingly.
For example, a patient with a chronic...
For example, a patient with a chronic...
1.0K