Table 1 Scores on performance objectives for GPs (1st column) and operationalisation to measure the performance (2nd column)
Performance objective | Operationalisation of performance objective | Answering categories | Group one (immediate test ordering) n = 229 patients | Group two (watchful waiting) n = 95 patients | Group three (watchful waiting + quality improvement strategy) n = 174 patients |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Patients for whom tests were ordered n (%) | 210 (91.7) | 13 (13.7) | 27 (15.5) | ||
Ordering fewer tests at the same time | Mean number of tests ordered (SD) | 7 (3.7) | 7 (2.1) | 6 (2.6) | |
Performing adequate history taking and physical examination | GP performed physical examination % (n) | Sufficient Not sufficient | 124 (56.9) 94 (43.1) | 57 (63.3) 33 (36.7) | 99 (62.7) 59 (37.3) |
Explaining findings to the patient | Patient understood GP's explanation of the complaints n (%) | At least sufficient Insufficient/unknown | 184 (84.4) 34 (15.6) | 79 (90.8) 8 (9.2) | 139 (88.5) 18 (11.5) |
Explaining that findings are currently not explained by specific diseases | Patient understood seriousness of complaints after the consultation n (%) | Yes No | 55 (25.5) 161 (74.5) | 34 (37.8) 56 (62.2) | 57 (36.5) 99 (63.5) |
Discussing four-week watchful waiting approach with patient | GP discussed the possibilities of additional tests with the patient n (%) | Sufficient Insufficient/unknown | 153 (70.2) 65 (29.8) | 54 (60.7) 35 (39.3) | 81 (51.3) 77 (48.7) |
Asking the patient to return if the complaints do not resolve in a month | GP asked the patient to return if the complaints did not disappear n (%) | Yes No/unknown | 145 (67.4) 70 (32.6) | 80 (88.9) 10 (11.1) | 131 (82.9) 27 (17.1) |