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Table 4 Odds ratios (confidence intervals) of differences in meeting performance objectives between groups

From: The effect of watchful waiting compared to immediate test ordering instructions on general practitioners' blood test ordering behaviour for patients with unexplained complaints; a randomized clinical trial (ISRCTN55755886)

Operationalisation of performance objective

Group two versus group one

Group three versus group one

Group two versus group three

Patients with tests ordered

N/A

N/A

N/A

Mean number of tests ordered

N/A

N/A

N/A

GP performed physical examination

1.3 (0.8 to 2.2)

1.3 (0.8 to 1.9)

1.0 (0.6 to 1.8)

Patient understood GP's explanation of the complaints n (%)

1.8 (0.8 to 4.1)

1.4 (0.8 to 2.6)

1.3 (0.5 to 3.1)

Patient understood seriousness of complaints after the consultation

1.8 (1.1 to 3.0)*

1.7 (1.1 to 2.6)*

1.1 (0.6 to 1.8)

GP discussed the possibilities of additional tests with the patient

0.7 (0.4 to 1.1)

0.4 (0.3 to 0.7)*

1.5 (0.9 to 2.5)

GP asked the patient to return if the complaints did not disappear

3.8 (1.9 to 7.9)*

2.3 (1.4 to 3.9)*

1.6 (0.8 to 3.6)