The role of the GP in managing suspected transient ischaemic attack: a qualitative study

BMC Family Practice

Grace M. Turner¹  Satnam K. Virdee¹  Duncan Edwards²  Jonathan Mant² 

[1] 0000 0004 1936 7486, grid.6572.6, Institute for Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, B15 2TT, Birmingham, Edgbaston, UK;0000000121885934, grid.5335.0, Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Worts’ Causeway, CB1 8RN, Cambridge, UK;

关键词: Transient ischaemic attack (TIA);    Stroke;    General practitioners (GPs);    Primary care;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12875-019-0963-2

来源: publisher

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundNational guidelines recommend patients with suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA) should be seen by a specialist within 24 h. However, people with suspected TIA often present to non-specialised services, particularly primary care. Therefore, general practitioners (GPs) have a crucial role in recognition and urgent referral of people with suspected TIA. This study aims to explore the role of GPs in the initial management of suspected TIA in the United Kingdom (UK).MethodsOne-to-one, semi-structured interviews with GPs, TIA clinic staff and patients with suspected TIA from two sites in the UK: Cambridge and Birmingham. Thematic analysis was undertaken to explore views on the role of the GP in managing suspected TIA. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with stroke patients (n = 12), GPs (n = 9) and TIA clinic hospital staff (n = 9) from two hospitals and nine GP practices in surrounding areas.ResultsThree overarching themes were identified: (1) multiple management pathways for suspected TIA; (2) uncertainty regarding suspected TIA as an emergency or routine situation; and (3) influences on the urgency of GP management.ConclusionsGuidelines on the primary care management of TIA describe only a small proportion of the factors which influence GP management and referral of suspected TIA. Efforts to improve treatment, appropriate referral and patient experience should use a real rather than idealised model of the GP role in managing suspected TIA.

【 授权许可】

CC BY