Irish general practitioner (GP) perspectives on impact of direct access radiology on patient care in the community: results from a mixed-methods study

• DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03419-1
• Publication Date: 2023-06-24T11:31:12Z
• Authors: Michael Edmund O’...; Ronan Fawsitt; Jiaran Gao; John Broughan; Geoff McCombe; Amy Phelan; Diarmuid Quinlan; Claire Collins; Fintan Stanley; Walter Cullen
• Keywords: Expediting

Abstract Background Since winter 2020/21, general practitioners (GPs) in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) have been granted access to diagnostic imaging studies on a new publicly funded pathway, expediting services previously obtained via hospital-based doctors. Aims Outline GP perspectives “GP Access Community Diagnostics” initiative. Methods A mixed-methods design was employed. Referrals over first six months 2019 and 2021 were collated by private provider, randomly selected subset (maximum 30 referrals per GP) returned participating GPs provide detail impact each patient’s care. In-depth qualitative interviews also conducted with GPs. Results Eleven supplied detailed information 81 organized through reported that initiative had led large proportion cases being managed solely practice, an 81% reduction acute hospital settings 58% secondary care clinics. felt improved patient 86% increased workload cases. revealed four key themes: care, workload, referrals, opinions ongoing management such initiatives, including guidelines. Conclusions enhancing diagnostics diagnosis, decision-making, treatment reducing referrals. generally positive about made some suggestions future