The incidences of and consultation rate for lower extremity complaints in general practice

J.M. van der Waal, S.D.M. Bot, C.B. Terwee, D.A.W.M. van der Windt, F.G. Schellevis, L.M. Bouter, J.M. Dekker

    Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

    154 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Objective: To estimate the incidence and consultation rate of lower extremity complaints in general practice. Methods: Data were obtained from the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice, in which 195 general practitioners (GPs) in 104 practices recorded all contacts with patients during 12 consecutive months in computerised patient records. GPs classified the symptoms and diagnosis for each patient at each consultation according to the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC). Incidence densities and consultation rates for different complaints were calculated. Results: During the registration period 63.2 GP consultations per 1000 person-years were attributable to a new complaint of the lower extremities. Highest incidence densities were seen for knee complaints: 21.4 per 1000 person-years for women and 22.8 per 1000 person-years for men. The incidence of most lower extremity complaints was higher for women than for men and higher in older age. Conclusions: Both incidences of and consultation rates for lower extremity complaints are substantial in general practice. This implies a considerable impact on the workload of the GP.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)809-815
    JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases
    Volume65
    Issue number6
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2006

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'The incidences of and consultation rate for lower extremity complaints in general practice'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this