Steven Lillis1, Graham Mellsop, Gaelle Dutu. 1. Waikato Clinical School, Waikato Hospital, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton, New Zealand. Lilliss@waikatodhb.govt.nz
Abstract
AIM: To understand the views of general practitioners on the utility of diagnostic schema as used by specialist psychiatrists and principles that would increase the value of diagnostic schema to general practitioners. METHOD: A postal survey of 1000 vocationally registered general practitioners in New Zealand RESULTS: Diagnostic schema such as the DSM-IV and ICD-10 are seldom used by general practitioners due primarily to their complexity and a lack of familiarity with them. Providing decision support on pharmaceutical treatment, appropriate secondary care referrals and improving communication across the primary/secondary care divide are principles that should guide the development of future diagnostic schema. Integration of schema into existing computerised practice management systems is considered a key success factor. CONCLUSION: Specialist devised schema fit uncomfortably into general practice. There is need for management orientated diagnostic schema that meet the requirements of general practitioners.
AIM: To understand the views of general practitioners on the utility of diagnostic schema as used by specialist psychiatrists and principles that would increase the value of diagnostic schema to general practitioners. METHOD: A postal survey of 1000 vocationally registered general practitioners in New Zealand RESULTS: Diagnostic schema such as the DSM-IV and ICD-10 are seldom used by general practitioners due primarily to their complexity and a lack of familiarity with them. Providing decision support on pharmaceutical treatment, appropriate secondary care referrals and improving communication across the primary/secondary care divide are principles that should guide the development of future diagnostic schema. Integration of schema into existing computerised practice management systems is considered a key success factor. CONCLUSION: Specialist devised schema fit uncomfortably into general practice. There is need for management orientated diagnostic schema that meet the requirements of general practitioners.