The effect of watchful waiting compared to immediate test ordering instructions on general practitioners blood test ordering behaviour for patients with unexplained complaints; a randomized clinical trial (ISRCTN55755886)

摘要

BackgroundImmediate blood testing for patients presenting with unexplained complaints in family practice is superfluous from a diagnostic point of view. However, many general pracitioners (GPs) order tests immediately. Watchful waiting reduces the number of patients to be tested and the number of false-positive results. The objectives of this study are: to determine the feasibility of watchful waiting compared to immediate test ordering; to determine if a special quality improvement strategy can improve this feasibility; and to determine if watchful waiting leads to testing at a later time.