Psychosocial and illness related predictors of consultation rates in primary care - a cohort study

N. Kapur, I. Hunt, M. Lunt, J. McBeth, F. Creed, Gary John MacFarlane

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

47 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background. Despite extensive research, the reasons why patients consult their doctors are unclear. The aim of the current study was to identify the psychosocial and illness related factors that independently predicted primary care consultation over a 5-year period.

Method. We carried out a prospective, population-based cohort study with three waves of data collection by postal questionnaire in one general practice in Greater Manchester (UK). Consultation data were sought from primary care records on a random subsample of 800 adult patients. The main outcome measure was the number of consultations (including surgery and home visits) over the 5 years of the study as determined by raters blind to questionnaire responses. Questionnaire measures included the 12-item version of the General Health Questionnaire, the Illness Attitude Scales, a somatic symptom scale, a fatigue scale, a functional assessment of disability.

Results. Consultation data were obtained on 738 patients (92% of selected subjects), who accounted for 12 182 consultations. Negative illness attitudes, the presence of physical and psychiatric disorder, health anxiety, changes in psychological distress, reported physical symptoms and demographic factors such as age and sex were independently associated with consultation over a 5-year period. These variables together accounted for a difference of ten consultations per year between groups.

Conclusion. Consultation in primary care is a complex behaviour with a complex aetiology. Terms such as 'frequent attenders' may be less helpful than recognizing a number of dimensions that operate across the whole spectrum of consultation frequency. Future research should consider the wider context of consultation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)719-728
Number of pages9
JournalPsychological Medicine
Volume34
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Keywords

  • GENERAL-PRACTICE
  • FREQUENT ATTENDERS
  • COST-EFFECTIVENESS
  • MENTAL-DISORDER
  • MEDICAL-CARE
  • ATTENDANCE
  • HYPOCHONDRIASIS
  • PRACTITIONERS
  • DETERMINANTS
  • VARIABLES

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Psychosocial and illness related predictors of consultation rates in primary care - a cohort study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this