Cognitive-behavioural therapy may reduce high rates of service use among frequent primary care attenders

摘要

Implications for practice and research: Cognitive-behavioural therapy may hold promise as a means to reduce usage among frequent attenders (FAs) of primary care clinics. This study adds to the growing literature showing that frequent attendance and high usage of primary care services may be modifiable behaviours. Larger scale, controlled trials are needed. Context: High users or FAs of healthcare clinics place significant organisational and financial strain on healthcare systems. It has been estimated that the top 3% of users account for 15% of primary care visits. Short-term frequent attendance may be related to acute causes, but long-term frequent attendance has been found to be associated with high health anxiety as well as multiple chronic medical and psychiatric illnesses. This study by Malins et al examines the preliminary acceptability and feasibility of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as a means to conceptualise and treat the psychological processes thought to contribute to frequent consultation requests.