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Rask MT, Frostholm L, Hansen SH, Petersen MW, Ørnbøl E, Rosendal M. Self-help interventions for persistent physical symptoms: a systematic review of behaviour change components and their potential effects. Health Psychol Rev 2024; 18:75-116. [PMID: 36651573 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2022.2163917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Persistent physical symptoms (PPS) remain a challenge in the healthcare system due to time-constrained consultations, uncertainty and limited specialised care capacity. Self-help interventions may be a cost-effective way to widen the access to treatment. As a foundation for future interventions, we aimed to describe intervention components and their potential effects in self-help interventions for PPS. A systematic literature search was made in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CENTRAL. Fifty-one randomised controlled trials were included. Interventions were coded for effect on outcomes (standardised mean difference ≥0.2) related to symptom burden, anxiety, depression, quality of life, healthcare utilisation and sickness absence. The Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) Taxonomy v1 was used to code intervention components. An index of potential was calculated for each BCT within an outcome category. Each BCT was assessed as 'potentially effective' or 'not effective' based on a two-sided test for binomial random variables. Sixteen BCTs showed potential effect as treatment components. These BCTs represented the themes: goals and planning, feedback and monitoring, shaping knowledge, natural consequences, comparison of behaviour, associations, repetition and substitution, regulation, antecedents and identity. The results suggest that specific BCTs should be included in new PPS self-help interventions aiming to improve the patients' physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Trøllund Rask
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lisbeth Frostholm
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Sofie Høeg Hansen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Marie Weinreich Petersen
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Eva Ørnbøl
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Marianne Rosendal
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Zhang Y, Baumeister D, Spanidis M, Engel F, Berens S, Gauss A, Eich W, Tesarz J. How symptoms of simple acute infections affect the SSS-8 and SSD-12 as screening instruments for somatic symptom disorder in the primary care setting. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1114782. [PMID: 37139311 PMCID: PMC10149793 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1114782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is one of the most common reasons for consultations in primary care, in addition to simple acute infections. Questionnaire-based screening instruments to identify patients at high risk of SSD are thus of great clinical relevance. Although screening instruments are frequently used, it is currently unclear to what extent they are influenced by the concurrent presence of simple acute infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how symptoms of simple acute infections affect the two established questionnaires as screening instruments for somatic symptom disorder in the primary care setting. Methods In our cross-sectional, multicenter design, a total of 1,000 patients in primary care practices were screened using the two most established SSD screening questionnaires, the 8-item Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS-8) and the 12-item Somatic Symptom Disorder-B Criteria Scale (SSD-12), followed by clinical assessment by the primary care physician. Results A total of 140 patients with a simple acute infection (acute infection group, AIG) and 219 patients with chronic somatic symptoms (somatic symptom group, SSG) were included. The patients in the SSG showed higher total SSS-8 and SSD-12 scores than the patients in the AIG; however, the SSS-8 was more susceptible to changes triggered by symptoms of a simple acute infection than the SSD-12. Conclusion These results suggest that the SSD-12 is less susceptible to symptoms of a simple acute infection. Its total score and corresponding cutoff value provide a more specific and thus less susceptible screening tool for identifying SSD in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Baumeister
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mona Spanidis
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felicitas Engel
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Berens
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annika Gauss
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Eich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jonas Tesarz
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Künzel
- Psychosomatische Beratungsstelle / Ambulanz, Klinikum Innenstadt d. LMU München, Pettenkoferstraße 8 a, 80336, München, Deutschland.
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Ma X, Jiang X, Jiang Y. Increased spontaneous fronto-central oscillatory power during eye closing in patients with multiple somatic symptoms. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 324:111489. [PMID: 35537300 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Functional somatic symptoms (FSS) are typically associated with excessive thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to the physical symptoms whether these symptoms are unequivocally associated with a diagnosed medical condition. However, less evidence is available concerning the neurocognitive deficits underlying these features of FSS. This study aimed to examine the resting-state oscillatory activities during both eye-opening and eye-closure states in individuals with FSS. Sixty-six FSS patients screened with PHQ-15 received two 10-minute sessions of EEG assessments. All completed clinical measurements on depression, anxiety, and psychological measurements on personality traits and alexithymia. Patients scoring high on PHQ-15 (the multiple somatic symptom (MSS) or SS-high group) demonstrated increased powers in central channels (C3 and C4) in low-beta band and in the left-frontal channel (F3) in high-gamma band, during eye-closure states. Patients with higher scores in depression were more likely to be classified as the SS-high group. SS-high patients demonstrated increased difficulties in describing and identifying emotions, and less reduced day-dreaming. The combined findings in increased fronto-central high-frequency activities and alexithymia measures suggest MSS patients are associated with enhanced internally-oriented thinking and cognitive simulation which may lead to intensified feelings of simulated events and misattribution of symptoms. Future treatments should focus on eliminating cognitive bias and enhancing accuracy in interoceptive awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiquan Ma
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Jiang
- Institute of Linguistics, Shanghai International Studies University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yu Jiang
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Klastrup LK, Rosendal M, Rask MT, Christensen KS, Rask CU. Functional somatic symptoms in youths in general practice: A cross-sectional study on prevalence, clinical management and perceived burden. J Psychosom Res 2022; 156:110765. [PMID: 35276589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional somatic symptoms (FSS) may progress into a functional disorder if poorly managed, which may have serious implications. This cross-sectional study describes the management of youths compared to adults in general practice and estimates the prevalence of FSS in youths in this setting by comparing consultation-related aspects between youths with FSS and 1) youths with a specific diagnosis and 2) adults with FSS. METHODS We used data from a Danish survey (2008-2009), including 3295 face-to-face consultations between GPs and patients aged 15-64 years. Patients were divided into youths (15-24 years) and adults (25-64 years) and then into subgroups according to the GPs' classifications: 1) specific diagnosis, 2) resolving symptom and 3) FSS. Logistic regression analysis was used for all comparisons, and estimates were adjusted for gender, concomitant chronic disorder and GP cluster. RESULTS The GPs more frequently ensured continuity of care in adults (AOR:0.75, 95%CI:0.61-0.92, p < 0.01) and perceived youths as less time consuming (AOR:0.58, 95%CI: 0.43-0.77, p < 0.01) and less burdensome (AOR:0.60; 95%CI: 0.45-0.81, p < 0.01) compared to adults. FSS prevalence was 4.4% in youths and 9.0% in adults. However, GPs perceived youths with FSS as more burdensome (AOR:7.77, 95%CI:2.93-20.04, p < 0.01) and more time consuming (AOR:3.98, 95%CI:1.42-11.12, p < 0.01) than youths with a specific diagnosis. No significant differences were found between youths and adults with FSS, respectively, in regards to perceived burden and consultation time. CONCLUSION The results indicate age-related variations in the prevalence and clinical management of FSS in general practice. The GPs perceived both youths and adults with FSS time consuming, which underlines a need for supportive management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Klastrup
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - M Rosendal
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - M T Rask
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - K S Christensen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark.
| | - C U Rask
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark.
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Lehmann M, Pohontsch NJ, Zimmermann T, Scherer M, Löwe B. Diagnostic and treatment barriers to persistent somatic symptoms in primary care - representative survey with physicians. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:60. [PMID: 33794776 PMCID: PMC8017612 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01397-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Many patients consult their primary care physician with persistent somatic symptoms such as pain or sickness. Quite often these consultations and further diagnostic measures yield no medical explanation for the symptoms – patients and physicians are left in uncertainty. In fact, diagnostic and treatment barriers in primary care hinder timely health-care provision for patients suffering from persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). The significance of individual barriers is still unknown. We compare and quantify these barriers from the perspective of primary care physicians and identify subpopulations of primary care physicians who experience particular barriers as most severe. Methods We mailed a questionnaire to primary care physicians (PCP) in Germany and asked them which barriers they consider most important. We invited a random sample of 12,004 primary care physicians in eight federal states in Germany. Physicians provided anonymous mailed or online responses. We also mailed a postcard to announce the survey and a mail reminder. Main measures were Likert rating scales of items relating to barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of PSS in primary care. Information on demography and medical practice were also collected. Results We analyzed 1719 data sets from 1829 respondents. PCPs showed strongest agreement with statements regarding (1.) their lack of knowledge about treatment guidelines, (2.) their perceptions that patients with PSS would expect symptom relief, (3.) their concern to overlook physical disease in these patients, and (4.) their usage of psychotropic drugs with these patients. More experienced PCPs were better able to cope with the possibility of overlooking physical disease than those less experienced. Conclusions The PCPs in our survey answered that the obligation to rule out severe physical disease and the demand to relieve patients from symptoms belong to the most severe barriers for adequate treatment and diagnosis. Moreover, many physicians admitted to not knowing the appropriate treatment guidelines for these patients. Based on our results, raising awareness of guidelines and improving knowledge about the management of persistent somatic symptoms appear to be promising approaches for overcoming the barriers to diagnosis and treatment of persistent somatic symptoms in primary care. Trial registration German Clinical Trials Register (Deutschen Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do The date the study was registered: October 2nd 2017 The date the first participant was enrolled: February 9th 2018 DRKS-ID: DRKS00012942 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01397-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lehmann
- Clinic and Outpatients Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Nadine Janis Pohontsch
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Zimmermann
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Clinic and Outpatients Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
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Roenneberg C, Sattel H, Schaefert R, Henningsen P, Hausteiner-Wiehle C. Functional Somatic Symptoms. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 116:553-560. [PMID: 31554544 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 10% of the general population and around one third of adult patients in clinical populations suffer from functional somatic symptoms. These take many forms, are often chronic, impair everyday functioning as well as quality of life, and are cost intensive. METHODS The guideline group (32 medical and psychological professional societies, two patients' associations) carried out a systematic survey of the literature and ana- lyzed 3795 original articles and 3345 reviews. The aim was to formulate empirically based recommendations that were practical and user friendly. RESULTS Because of the variation in course and symptom severity, three stages of treatment are distinguished. In early contacts, the focus is on basic investigations, reassurance, and advice. For persistent burdensome symptoms, an extended, simultaneous and equitable diagnostic work-up of physical and psychosocial factors is recommended, together with a focus on information and self-help. In the pres- ence of severe and disabling symptoms, multimodal treatment includes further elements such as (body) psychotherapeutic and social medicine measures. Whatever the medical specialty, level of care, or clinical picture, an empathetic professional attitude, reflective communication, information, a cautious, restrained approach to diagnosis, good interdisciplinary cooperation, and above all active interventions for self-efficacy are usually more effective than passive, organ- focused treatments. CONCLUSION The cornerstones of diagnosis and treatment are biopsychosocial ex- planatory models, communication, self-efficacy, and interdisciplinary mangagement. This enables safe and efficient patient care from the initial presentation onwards, even in cases where the symptoms cannot yet be traced back to specific causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper Roenneberg
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich (TUM); Department of Psychosomatics, University and University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland; Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg; Psychosomatic Medicine/Neurocenter, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Unfallklinik Murnau
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Leutgeb R, Berger S, Szecsenyi J, Laux G. Patients with somatoform disorders: More frequent attendance and higher utilization in primary Out-of-Hours care? PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202546. [PMID: 30161150 PMCID: PMC6116940 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One significant health policy challenge in many European countries at present is developing strategies to deal with the increase in patient attendance at Out-of-Hours care (OOHC), whether this is at OOHC-Centres in primary care settings or hospital emergency departments (ED). FAs (FAs) presenting in OOHC are a known challenge and previous studies have shown that FAs present more often with psychological problems and psychiatric comorbidities rather than severe physical complaints. FAs may be also contributing to the rising workload in OOHC-Centres in primary care. The aim of this study was to determine attendance frequencies and health problem presentation patterns for patients with and without somatoform disorders (ICD-10 F45 diagnoses) in OOHC-Centres in primary care. Some of these somatoform disorders may have a psychiatric character. Moreover, we wanted to compare health care utilization patterns (pharmacotherapy and hospitalizations) between these patients groups. METHODS Routine OOHC data from a large German statutory health insurance company in the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg were evaluated. 3,813,398 health insured persons were included in the data set from 2014. The data were initially made available for our study group in order to evaluate a comprehensive evaluation programme in German primary care, the "Hausarztzentrierte Versorgung" (HZV), loosely translated as "family doctor coordinated care". We used the ICD-10 codes F45.0-F45.9 in regular care to identify patients with somatoform disorders and compared their health care utilization patterns (attendance rates, diagnoses, prescriptions, hospitalization rates) in OOHC to patients without somatoform disorders. Attendance rates were calculated with multivariable regression models in order to adjust for age, gender, comorbidities and for participation in the HZV intervention. RESULTS 350,528 patients (9.2%) of the 3,813,398 insured persons had an F45-diagnosis. In comparison with the whole study-sample, patients with an F45-diagnosis were on average seven years older (51.7 vs. 44.0 years; p<0,0001) and the percentage of women was significantly higher (70.1% vs 53.3%; p<0,0001). In OOHC, as opposed to normal office hours, the adjusted rate of patients with an F45-diagnosis was 60.6% higher (adjusted for age, gender and co-morbidity) than in the general study-sample. Accordingly, in OOHC, prescriptions for antidepressants, hypnotics, anxiolytics but also opioids were significantly higher than in the general study population i.e. those without F45- diagnoses. However, an F45 diagnosis was only made in 3.45% of all F45 patients seen in OOHC in 2014. CONCLUSIONS Patients with somatoform disorders were more FAs in both regular office hours and in OOHC in primary care settings. In OOHC, they are normally not identified as such because the somatoform illness is secondary to other acutely presenting symptoms such as pain. While it is acknowledged that it is difficult to make an exact diagnosis in this complex group of somatoform disorders in an OOHC setting, it is still important to develop continuing education programmes for medical staff working in OOHC, to support effective recognition and response to the specific needs of this complex patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruediger Leutgeb
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Sarah Berger
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim Szecsenyi
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gunter Laux
- University Hospital Heidelberg, Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg, Germany
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Weigel K, Nickel CH, Malinovska A, Bingisser R. Symptoms at presentation to the emergency department: Predicting outcomes and changing clinical practice? Int J Clin Pract 2018; 72. [PMID: 29072358 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.13033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The type and number of symptoms in emergency patients differ widely. It remains unclear, if outcomes can be predicted by the number of symptoms. Furthermore, it is unknown, whether clinical practice could be influenced by presenting symptoms. METHODS Prospective observational study, performed in the emergency department of the University Hospital Basel, a tertiary hospital. A consecutive sample of patients was interviewed at presentation for a predefined set of 35 symptoms. The number of symptoms was correlated with outcomes using linear and logistic regression models. Clinical practice was observed using prospective data on disease severity ratings, triage category, use of resources, length-of-stay and follow-up presentations. RESULTS Data of 3472 patients were analysed. The number of symptoms ranged between 1 and 25, the mean being 2.74. Women reported more symptoms than men. Age and comorbidity indices were not associated with the number of symptoms. After adjusting for age and gender, there was no correlation between the number of symptoms and adverse outcomes, such as ICU-admission or in-hospital mortality (OR: 1.03, CI: 0.88-1.18, P = .68). The number of symptoms at presentation was associated with hospitalisation, disease severity rating by patients and emergency physicians, triage categories, use of resources, length-of-stay and follow-up presentations. CONCLUSION The number of symptoms did not correlate with the main adverse outcomes (ICU-admission and in-hospital mortality). However, clinical practice was influenced by the nature and number of symptoms. This was shown by associations with hospitalisation, length-of-stay, use of resources and follow-up presentations. Furthermore, the number of symptoms correlated with the caregivers' disease severity ratings and the attributed triage categories. This may indicate that caregivers respond to the number of symptoms by a higher investment in their immediate work-ups and later follow-ups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Weigel
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
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