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Background: A high response rate is an important condition for effective prevention programs. We aimed at gaining insight into the characteristics and motives of non-responders in different stages of a stepwise prevention program for cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in primary care., Methods: We performed a non-response analysis within a randomized controlled trial assessing the effectiveness of a stepwise CMD prevention program in the Netherlands. Patients between 45 and 70 years without known CMD were invited for stage 1 of the program, completing a CMD risk score. Patients with an increased risk were advised to visit their general practice for additional measurements, stage 2 of the program. We analyzed determinants of non-response using data from the risk score, electronic medical records, questionnaires and Statistics Netherlands., Results: Non-response in stage 1 was associated with a younger age, male sex, a migration background, a low prosperity score, self-employment, being single and having lower consultations rates in general practice. Non-response in stage 2 was associated with a low prosperity score, being employed, having no chronic illness, smoking, a normal waist circumference, a negative family history for cardiovascular disease or diabetes and having a lower consultation rate. More than half of the non-responders in stage 2 reported not visiting the GP because they did not expect to have any CMD, despite their increased risk., Conclusions: To achieve a larger and more equal uptake of prevention programs for CMD, we should use methods adapted to characteristics of non-responders, such as targeted invitation methods and improved risk communication., (© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association.)

Background: Low socioeconomic position (SEP) is related to higher healthcare use in out-of-hours primary care services (OPCSs). We aimed to determine whether inequalities persist when taking the generally poorer health status of socioeconomically vulnerable individuals into account. To put OPCS use in perspective, this was compared with healthcare use in daytime general practice (DGP)., Methods: Electronic health record (EHR) data of 988 040 patients in 2017 (251 DGPs, 27 OPCSs) from Nivel Primary Care Database were linked to socio-demographic data (Statistics, The Netherlands). We analyzed associations of OPCS and DGP use with SEP (operationalized as patient household income) using multilevel logistic regression. We controlled for demographic characteristics and the presence of chronic diseases. We additionally stratified for chronic disease groups., Results: An income gradient was observed for OPCS use, with higher probabilities within each lower income group [lowest income, reference highest income group: odds ratio (OR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.45-1.51]. Income inequalities in DGP use were considerably smaller (lowest income: OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.15-1.19). Inequalities in OPCS were more substantial among patients with chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease lowest income: OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.53-1.67). The inequalities in DGP use among patients with chronic diseases were similar to the inequalities in the total population., Conclusions: Higher OPCS use suggests that chronically ill patients with lower income had additional healthcare needs that have not been met elsewhere. Our findings fuel the debate how to facilitate adequate primary healthcare in DGP and prevent vulnerable patients from OPCS use., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association. All rights reserved.)

Background: Early detection and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in high-risk patients is a promising preventive strategy to anticipate the increasing burden of CMD. The Dutch guideline 'the prevention consultation' provides a framework for stepwise CMD risk assessment and detection in primary care. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of this program in terms of newly diagnosed CMD., Methods: A cohort study among 30 934 patients, aged 45-70 years without known CMD or CMD risk factors, who were invited for the CMD detection program within 37 general practices. Patients filled out a CMD risk score (step 1), were referred for additional risk profiling in case of high risk (step 2) and received lifestyle advice and (pharmacological) treatment if indicated (step 3). During 1-year follow-up newly diagnosed CMD, prescriptions and abnormal diagnostic tests were assessed., Results: Twelve thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight patients filled out the risk score of which 865, 6665 and 5208 had a low, intermediate and high CMD risk, respectively. One thousand seven hundred and fifty-five high-risk patients consulted the general practitioner, in 346 of whom a new CMD was diagnosed. In an additional 422 patients a new prescription and/or abnormal diagnostic test were found., Conclusions: Implementation of the CMD detection program resulted in a new CMD diagnosis in one-fifth of high-risk patients who attended the practice for completion of their risk profile. However, the potential yield of the program could be higher given the considerable number of additional risk factors-such as elevated glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol levels-found, requiring active follow-up and presumably treatment in the future., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Public Health Association.)

Background: Cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) are the number one cause of death. Selective prevention of CMDs by general practitioners (GPs) could help reduce the burden of CMDs. This measure would entail the identification of individuals at high risk of CMDs-but currently asymptomatic-followed by interventions to reduce their risk. No data were available on the attitude and the extent to which European GPs have incorporated selective CMD prevention into daily practice., Methods: A survey among 575 GPs from the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands and Sweden was conducted between September 2016 and January 2017, within the framework of the SPIMEU-project., Results: On average, 71% of GPs invited their patients to attend for CMD risk assessment. Some used an active approach (47%) while others used an opportunistic approach (53%), but these values differed between countries. Most GPs considered selective CMD prevention as useful (82%) and saw it as part of their normal duties (84%). GPs who did find selective prevention useful were more likely to actively invite individuals compared with their counterparts who did not find prevention useful. Most GPs had a disease management programme for individuals with risk factor(s) for cardiovascular disease (71%) or diabetes (86%)., Conclusions: Although most GPs considered selective CMD prevention as useful, it was not universally implemented. The biggest challenge was the process of inviting individuals for risk assessment. It is important to tailor the implementation of selective CMD prevention in primary care to the national context, involving stakeholders at different levels.

Background Health checks for cardiometabolic diseases could play a role in the identification of persons at high risk for disease. To improve the uptake of these health checks in primary care, we need to know what barriers and facilitators determine participation. Methods We used an iterative search strategy consisting of three steps: (a) identification of key-articles; (b) systematic literature search in PubMed, Medline and Embase based on keywords; (c) screening of titles and abstracts and subsequently full-text screening. We summarised the results into four categories: characteristics, attitudes, practical reasons and healthcare provider-related factors. Results Thirty-nine studies were included. Attitudes such as wanting to know of cardiometabolic disease risk, feeling responsible for, and concerns about one's own health were facilitators for participation. Younger age, smoking, low education and attitudes such as not wanting to be, or being, worried about the outcome, low perceived severity or susceptibility, and negative attitude towards health checks or prevention in general were barriers. Furthermore, practical issues such as information and the ease of access to appointments could influence participation. Conclusion Barriers and facilitators to participation in health checks for cardiometabolic diseases were heterogeneous. Hence, it is not possible to develop a 'one size fits all' approach to maximise the uptake. For optimal implementation we suggest a multifactorial approach adapted to the national context with special attention to people who might be more difficult to reach. Increasing the uptake of health checks could contribute to identifying the people at risk to be able to start preventive interventions.

The aim of this study is to identify potential facilitators and barriers for health care professionals to undertake selective prevention of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) in primary health care. We developed a search string for Medline, Embase, Cinahl and PubMed. We also screened reference lists of relevant articles to retain barriers and facilitators for prevention of CMD. We found 19 qualitative studies, 7 quantitative studies and 2 mixed qualitative and quantitative studies. In terms of five overarching categories, the most frequently reported barriers and facilitators were as follows: Structural (barriers: time restraints, ineffective counselling and interventions, insufficient reimbursement and problems with guidelines; facilitators: feasible and effective counselling and interventions, sufficient assistance and support, adequate referral, and identification of obstacles), Organizational (barriers: general organizational problems, role of practice, insufficient IT support, communication problems within health teams and lack of support services, role of staff, lack of suitable appointment times; facilitators: structured practice, IT support, flexibility of counselling, sufficient logistic/practical support and cooperation with allied health staff/community resources, responsibility to offer and importance of prevention), Professional (barriers: insufficient counselling skills, lack of knowledge and of experience; facilitators: sufficient training, effective in motivating patients), Patient-related factors (barriers: low adherence, causes problems for patients; facilitators: strong GP-patient relationship, appreciation from patients), and Attitudinal (barriers: negative attitudes to prevention; facilitators: positive attitudes of importance of prevention). We identified several frequently reported barriers and facilitators for prevention of CMD, which may be used in designing future implementation and intervention studies.

Background: Inappropriate drug use is a frequent problem in older patients and associated with adverse clinical outcomes and an important determinant of geriatric problems. Clinical medication reviews (CMR) may reduce inappropriate drug use., Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of CMR on quality of life (QoL) and geriatric problems in comparison with usual care in older patients with geriatric problems in the general practice., Methods: We performed a cluster randomised controlled trial in 22 Dutch general practices. Patients of ≥65 years were eligible if they newly presented with pre-specified geriatric symptoms in general practice and the chronic use of ≥1 prescribed drug. The intervention consisted of CMRs which were prepared by an independent expert team and discussed with the patient by the general practitioner. Primary outcomes: QoL and the presence of self-reported geriatric problems after a follow-up period of 6 months., Results: 518 patients were included. No significant differences between the intervention and control group and over time were found for QoL, geriatric problems, satisfaction with medication and self-reported medication adherence. After 6 months the percentage of solved Drug Related Problems (DRPs) was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group [B 22.6 (95%CI 14.1-31.1), P < 0.001]., Conclusion: The study intervention did not influence QoL and geriatric problems. The higher percentage of solved DRPs in the intervention group did not result in effects on the patient's health. CMRs on a large scale seem not meaningful and should be reconsidered., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: General practitioners (GPs) will face cancer recurrences more frequently due to the rising number of cancer survivors and greater involvement of GPs in the follow-up care. Currently, GPs are uncertain about managing recurrence risks and may need more guidance., Objective: To explore what guidance is available for GPs on managing recurrence risks for breast cancer, colorectal cancer and melanoma, and to examine whether recurrence risk management differs between these tumour types., Methods: Breast cancer, colorectal cancer and melanoma clinical practice guidelines were identified via searches on internet and the literature, and experts were approached to identify guidelines. Guidance on recurrence risk management that was (potentially) relevant for GPs was extracted and summarized into topics., Results: We included 24 breast cancer, 21 colorectal cancer and 15 melanoma guidelines. Identified topics on recurrence risk management were rather similar among the three tumour types. The main issue in the guidelines was recurrence detection through consecutive diagnostic testing. Guidelines agree on both routine and nonroutine tests, but, recommended frequencies for follow-up are inconsistent, except for mammography screening for breast cancer. Only six guidelines provided targeted guidance for GPs., Conclusion: This inventory shows that recurrence risk management has overlapping areas between tumour types, making it more feasible for GPs to provide this care. However, few guidance on recurrence risk management is specific for GPs. Recommendations on time intervals of consecutive diagnostic tests are inconsistent, making it difficult for GPs to manage recurrence risks and illustrating the need for more guidance targeted for GPs., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: To support the management of multimorbid patients in primary care, evidence is needed on prevalent multimorbidity patterns., Objective: To identify the common and distinctive multimorbidity patterns., Methods: Clinical data of 120480 patients (≥55 years) were extracted from 158 general practices in 2002-11. Prevalence rates of multimorbidity were analyzed (overall, and for 24 chronic diseases), adjusted for practice, number of diseases and patients' registration period; differentiated between patients 55-69 and ≥70 years. To investigate multimorbidity patterns, prevalence ratios (prevalence rate index-disease group divided by that in the non-index-disease group) were calculated for patients with heart failure, diabetes mellitus, migraine or dementia., Results: Multiple membership multilevel models showed that the overall adjusted multimorbidity rate was 86% in patients with ≥1 chronic condition, varying from 70% (migraine) to 98% (heart failure), 38% had ≥4 chronic diseases. In patients 55-69 years, 83% had multimorbidity. Numerous significant prevalence ratios were found for disease patterns in heart failure patients, ranging from 1.2 to 7.7, highest ratio for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-cardiac dysrhythmia. For diabetes mellitus, dementia or migraine patients highest ratios were for heart failure-visual disorder (2.1), heart failure-depression (3.9) and depression-back/neck disorder (2.1), respectively (all P-values<0.001)., Conclusions: Multimorbidity management in general practice can be reinforced by knowledge on the clinical implications of the presence of the comprehensive disease patterns among the elderly patients, and those between 55 and 69 years. Guideline developers should be aware of the complexity of multimorbidity. As a consequence of this complexity, it is even more important to focus on what matters to a patient with multimorbidity in general practice., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press.)

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of tailored interventions on the appropriateness of decisions to prescribe or withhold antibiotics, antibiotic use and guideline-adherent antibiotic selection in nursing homes (NHs)., Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study in 10 NHs in the Netherlands. A participatory action research (PAR) approach was applied, with local stakeholders in charge of selecting tailored interventions based on opportunities for improved antibiotic prescribing that they derived from provided baseline data. An algorithm was used to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribing decisions, based on infections recorded by physicians. Effects of the interventions on the appropriateness of prescribing decisions were analysed with a multilevel logistic regression model. Pharmacy data were used to calculate differences in antibiotic use and recorded infections were used to calculate differences in guideline-adherent antibiotic selection., Results: The appropriateness of 1059 prescribing decisions was assessed. Adjusting for pre-test differences in the proportion of appropriate prescribing decisions (intervention, 82%; control, 70%), post-test appropriateness did not differ between groups (crude: P = 0.26; adjusted for covariates: P = 0.35). We observed more appropriate prescribing decisions at the start of data collection and before receiving feedback on prescribing behaviour. No changes in antibiotic use or guideline-adherent antibiotic selection were observed in intervention NHs., Conclusions: The PAR approach, or the way PAR was applied in the study, was not effective in improving antibiotic prescribing behaviour. The study findings suggest that drawing prescribers' attention to prescribing behaviour and monitoring activities, and increasing use of diagnostic resources may be promising interventions to improve antibiotic prescribing in NHs., (© The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: Little is known about the presence of chronic morbidity in inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients at disease onset. Previous studies have been mainly performed in established IA patients or they focus on isolated co-morbid diseases. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of chronic diseases at the onset of IA and to determine whether this is different from the number that one might expect based on age and sex. Patients and methods. A nested case-control study from 2001 to 2010 using data from patient electronic medical records in general practice. Totally, 3354 patients with newly diagnosed IA were included. Each patient was matched on age, sex and general practice with two control patients. In total, 121 different chronic diseases were studied., Results: In total, 70% of the IA patients had at least one chronic disease at the onset of IA, compared with 59% of the control patients (P < 0.001). The highest prevalence in IA patients was found for cardiovascular diseases (35%), musculoskeletal diseases (27%) and neurological diseases (22%). Compared with the control patients, patients with IA had the highest increased risk for musculoskeletal diseases [odds ratio, OR = 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.6-19)] and for neurological diseases [OR = 1.6 (1.4-1.7)] at the onset of IA., Conclusion: At the onset of IA, nearly three-quarters of patients with IA had at least one other chronic disease. Since multi-morbidity affects treatment and outcome of the IA patient, these diseases should be taken into account when treating IA patients.

Background: General practice-based data, collected within general practice registration networks (GPRNs), are widely used in research. The quality of the data is important but the recording criteria about what type of information is collected and how this information should be recorded differ between GPRNs., Objective: We aim to identify aspects that describe the quality of general practice-based data in the Netherlands., Methods: To investigate the quality aspects, we used the method of concept mapping, a structured conceptualization process for a complex multi-dimensional topic. We explored the ideas of representatives from 10 Dutch GPRNs on the quality of general practice-based data in five steps: preparation, generation of statements, structuring, representation and interpretation. In a brainstorm session, 10 experts generated statements about good data quality from general practice, which we completed with information from the literature. In total, 18 experts participated in the ranking and clustering of the statements. These results were analysed using ARIADNE software, using a combination of principal component analysis and cluster analysis techniques. Finally, the clusters were labelled based on their content., Results: A total of 72 statements were analysed, which resulted in a two-dimensional picture with six clusters, 'complete health record', 'coding of information', 'episode oriented recording', 'diagnostic validity', 'recording agreements' and 'residual category'., Conclusions: The quality of general practice-based data can be considered on five content-based aspects. These aspects determine the quality of recording.

Background: In planning a prevention programme, it is important to know to what extent gender, risk behaviour and GP consultation need to be taken into account., Objective: To determine whether gender plays a role in the relation between risk behaviour and use of GP services., Methods: The data used in this study originate from the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice of 2000-02. We used respondent interviews in three age groups: 555 respondents aged 18-22; 1005 respondents aged 45-49; and 536 respondents aged 70-74. We studied smoking, alcohol abuse, excessive alcohol intake, use of soft drugs, overweight and insufficient physical exercise in relation to use of primary care and gender., Results: Almost all risk behaviours were more prevalent in men. Of all studied risk behaviours, only smoking was related to yearly GP contact and consultation frequency in relation to gender. Smoking men consulted their GP significantly less frequently than non-smoking men, whereas in women, the opposite was the case., Conclusions: Both rates of consultation and yearly contact were significantly lower in smoking men than in smoking women. Preventive actions by means of case-finding, therefore, are less attainable in men than in women. This outcome may create a double setback for Dutch men, as smoking is a major cause of lower life expectancy in men. Recent data show that under-representation of men among consulters in general practice and excess of smoking men still exist in the Netherlands. This confirms the actual relevance of our findings although these were obtained 10years ago.

Background: Prenatal healthcare is likely to prevent adverse outcomes, but an adequate review of utilization and its determinants is lacking., Objective: To review systematically the evidence for the determinants of prenatal healthcare utilization in high-income countries., Method: Search of publications in EMBASE, CINAHL and PubMed (1992-2010). Studies that attempted to study determinants of prenatal healthcare utilization in high-income countries were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the eligibility and methodological quality of the studies. Only high-quality studies were included. Data on inadequate use (i.e. late initiation, low-use, inadequate use or non-use) were categorized as individual, contextual and health behaviour-related determinants. Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, a quantitative meta-analysis was not possible., Results: Ultimately eight high-quality studies were included. Low maternal age, low educational level, non-marital status, ethnic minority, planned pattern of prenatal care, hospital type, unplanned place of delivery, uninsured status, high parity, no previous premature birth and late recognition of pregnancy were identified as individual determinants of inadequate use. Contextual determinants included living in distressed neighbourhoods. Living in neighbourhoods with higher rates of unemployment, single parent families, medium-average family incomes, low-educated residents, and women reporting Canadian Aboriginal status were associated with inadequate use or entering care after 6 months. Regarding health behaviour, inadequate use was more likely among women who smoked during pregnancy., Conclusion: Evidence for determinants of prenatal care utilization is limited. More studies are needed to ensure adequate prenatal care for pregnant women at risk.

Background: The concept of 'continuity of care' has changed over time and seems to be entangled with other care concepts, for example coordination and integration of care. These concepts may overlap, and differences between them often remain unclear., Objective: In order to clarify the confusion of tongues and to identify core values of these patient-centred concepts, we provide a historical overview of continuity of care and four related concepts: coordination of care, integration of care, patient-centred care and case management., Methods: We identified and reviewed articles including a definition of one of these concepts by performing an extensive literature search in PubMed. In addition, we checked the definition of these concepts in the Oxford English Dictionary., Results: Definitions of continuity, coordination, integration, patient-centred care and case management vary over time. These concepts show both great entanglement and also demonstrate differences. Three major common themes could be identified within these concepts: personal relationship between patient and care provider, communication between providers and cooperation between providers. Most definitions of the concepts are formulated from the patient's perspective., Conclusions: The identified themes appear to be core elements of care to patients. Thus, it may be valuable to develop an instrument to measure these three common themes universally. In the patient-centred medical home, such an instrument might turn out to be an important quality measure, which will enable researchers and policy makers to compare care settings and practices and to evaluate new care interventions from the patient perspective.

Background: The differential diagnosis of children with acute non-traumatic hip pathology varies from quite harmless conditions such as transient synovitis of the hip to more severe problems like Perthes' disease, slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and life-threatening conditions such as septic arthritis of the hip., Objective: To provide population-based data on symptom presentation and incidence rates of non-traumatic acute hip pathology in family practice., Methods: We analysed data from a large national survey of family practice (104 practices), which was carried out by the Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL) in 2001. We included all children aged 0-14 years. Incidence rates were calculated by dividing the total number of cases (numerator) by the average study population at risk (denominator)., Results: Our study population consisted of 73 954 children aged 0-14 years, yielding 68 202 person-years. These children presented with 101 episodes of acute non-traumatic hip pathology. The presenting feature in 81.5% of the children was pain, in 8.6% limping and 9.9% presented with both symptoms. Only 27% of the participating family practitioners (FPs) reported whether the child had a fever. The incidence rate for all acute non-traumatic hip pathology was 148.1 per 100 000 person-years, and for transient synovitis, this was 76.2 per 100 000 person-years., Conclusion: In family practice, most children with acute non-traumatic hip pathology present with pain as the initial symptom. FPs need to be more aware that fever is the main distinguishing factor between a harmless condition and a life-threatening condition. Transient synovitis is the diagnosis with the highest incidence rate.

Background: In recent decades, studies on the management of common foot problems in children have suggested that in many cases, there is no indication for treatment. It is not known whether these studies have changed daily practice., Objective: Our aim was to establish and compare incidence and referral rates for foot problems in children in 1987 and 2001., Methods: A comparison was made of two large consecutive surveys in Dutch general practice performed in 1987 (86 577 children aged 0-17 years) and 2001 (87 952 children aged 0-17 years), which were carried out by The Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research. Both surveys included a representative sample of the Dutch population. Incidence and referral rates were calculated and, data were stratified for age group and gender., Results: Compared to 1987, in 2001 the overall incidence rate of foot problems presented to the family physician (FP) decreased substantially from 80.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 77.0-84.7] to 17.4 (95% CI 16.5-18.3) per 1000 person-years (P < 0.0001). The incidence rate of flat feet decreased from 4.9 (95% CI 4.0-5.9) per 1000 person-years in 1987 to 3.4 (95% CI 3.0-3.8) per 1000 person-years in 2001 (P = 0.001). The distribution of referrals to other primary health care professionals and medical specialists has almost reversed in favour of primary health care professionals., Conclusion: Total incidence rate of musculoskeletal foot problems seen by the FP has decreased substantially, between 1987 and 2001.

Background: In many European countries, primary care surveillance networks play a role in public health surveillance., Objectives: To update an inventory of surveillance networks, to describe them and to report on their organization and function in a standardized way. To investigate whether and under what conditions their information can contribute to surveillance at a European level., Methods: Surveillance networks were defined as 'A network of practices or community based primary care physicians who monitor one or more specific illness problems on a regular and continuing basis'. For the inventory questionnaires were sent out, followed by site visits to seven networks using a standardized audit checklist., Results: We sent out 75 questionnaires and received 57 back (73% response rate), with 33 (58% of responders) fitting our selection criteria. National surveillance networks were identified in 11 countries. Many had an infectious disease surveillance component, particularly for influenza. Most were funded by the Ministry of Health, some by research funds. The median number of general practitioners was 120, comprising a stable group of general practitioners and covering a representative sample of the general population. The frequency of reporting varied from daily to annually, depending on the purpose of the network., Conclusions: A large number of primary care surveillance networks exist in Europe. Their value has been shown with the surveillance of influenza, but the challenge is now to extend their use to other diseases. When fulfilling identical minimal criteria they can provide comparable estimates of morbidity, ultimately leading to improved national and European surveillance.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare prevalence estimates of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) derived from self-report in a health interview survey and from general practitioners' (GPs') medical records, and to explain any differences., Methods: the presence of asthma or COPD was measured by self-report in a random sample of 104 general practices in the Netherlands (n = 19 685) participating in the second Dutch National Survey of General Practice (DNSGP-2). This was compared with the presence of GP-diagnosed asthma or COPD in the same population as recorded using the International Classification of Primary Care by their GPs during a 12-month period. Gender, age, health insurance, ethnic background, educational level, tobacco exposure, and other symptoms and conditions were evaluated as explanatory variables using logistic models., Results: The prevalence of self-reported asthma or COPD (9.7%) was almost twice as high as the prevalence based on GP information (5.2%). The medical records of patients who reported having asthma or COPD, without having a diagnosis in their medical records, usually included other respiratory conditions. Patients reporting no asthma or COPD but whose medical records carried a diagnosis of asthma or COPD, were relatively older (P < 0.01) and tended to be exposed to smoking in their home (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Two methods for estimating prevalence of asthma or COPD yielded different results: compared with GP medical records, self-reported prevalence shows an overestimation in people who suffer from other respiratory conditions and an underestimation in elderly persons living in a smoky environment.

Background: The main complications of herpes zoster (HZ) are postherpetic neuralgia and, in case of HZ ophthalmicus, eye disorders. Antiviral treatment may modify the course of disease and reduce the risk of complications., Objective: To assess which doctors' and patients' characteristics were related to prescription of antiviral therapy for HZ., Methods: Ninety general practices (358 008 patients) in The Netherlands registered all patient contacts in a database for one year as part of the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice. The present study used ICPC code S70 to search that database for patients with a new diagnosis of HZ. The full-text medical records of the selected patients were then reviewed and the potential determinants for the prescription of antiviral drugs (including characteristics of patients, GPs, and practices) analysed using multilevel logistic regression modelling., Results: Of the 1129 patients diagnosed with HZ (incidence 3.2/1000 patients/year), 22.5% received antiviral drugs. Independent determinants for prescription of antiviral therapy were age [45-54 years: adjusted odds ratio (OR) 2.9 (95% CI 1.6-5.0); 55-64 years: OR 4.2 (95% CI 2.4-7.6); 65-74 years: OR 5.1 (95% CI 2.7-9.6); > or =75 years: OR 8.1 (95% CI 4.4-15.1)], ophthalmic localisation of the shingles (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6-6.7), and the presence of asthma/COPD (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0-2.6). GPs who reported to strongly adhere to professional guidelines prescribe more frequently antiviral drugs (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2-3.1)., Conclusions: A minority of HZ patients were prescribed antiviral treatment. Increasing age, ophthalmic localisation, presence of asthma/COPD, and adherence to professional guidelines were factors favouring prescription. More information on the determinants of GPs' treatment decisions is necessary for successful implementation of HZ guidelines.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the association between general practitioners' (GPs') characteristics and the volume of second-choice antibiotics for acute respiratory tract (RT) episodes by GPs., Methods: Morbidity and antibiotic prescription data originated from the Second Dutch National Survey of General Practice (DNSGP-2). GPs' characteristics, including professional activities and views on RT symptoms and antibiotics, were measured by a written questionnaire. Multiple regression was carried out to assess associations between possible determinants and volume of second-choice antibiotic prescriptions., Results: In approximately 39% of acute RT episodes antibiotics were prescribed, with one-quarter being second-choice antibiotics, relatively more frequently in lower than in upper RT episodes: 30 versus 19%. GPs who were more frequently consulted by patients with RT episodes (beta = 0.29; 95% CI 0.13-0.41), who labelled RT episodes more as diagnoses than as symptoms (beta = 0.27; 95% CI 0.15-0.42), who less frequently used national GP guidelines (beta = -0.17; 95% CI -0.31 to -0.03) and who were more inclined to prescribe new drugs (beta = 0.26; 95% CI 0.13-0.40), prescribed more second-choice antibiotics., Conclusions: Given the growing number of prescriptions of second-choice antibiotics, it is important to implement professional guidelines in daily practice, while training in being reluctant to prescribe new drugs and being alert to the marketing activities of pharmaceutical companies should be started in the medical curriculum.

Background: In many European countries, maturity onset diabetes mellitus (DM) is to a large extent managed in general practice., Objective: Our aim was to compare management of DM in general practice in five European countries in order to contribute to international guidelines on the management of DM by GPs., Methods: Routine monitoring of patients presenting with DM was performed during a 12 month period (1999-2000) to GPs in established sentinel practice surveillance networks in five European countries (Belgium, Croatia, England, Spain and The Netherlands). Results were stratified by age and country., Results: The proportion of patients treated by diet only varied from 13% (The Netherlands) to 25% (Spain); diet and oral antidiabetics from 51% (England) to 62% (Belgium); a combination of diet and insulin varied from 15% (Belgium and Croatia) to 26% (The Netherlands); and a combination of diet, oral antidiabetics and insulin was <10% in all countries. In the older age groups, insulin is prescribed most frequently in The Netherlands. Spain and Croatia show high consultation rates for DM; England and The Netherlands show low rates. Referral percentages vary considerably between countries (highest in Croatia)., Conclusions: National differences found included the use of insulin in the elderly, the consultation frequency in general practice and the referral rate to ophthalmologist and diabetic specialists. Further quantitative and qualitative studies are needed to explore the needs for support in diabetes management in general practice in Europe.