Evaluation of automated multiphasic health testing of referred patients by general practitioners.
Seventy-eight general practitioners provided clinical follow-up reports on 752 patients whom they had referred to the Shepherd Foundation, Melbourne, for automated multiphasic health tests (AMHT). One or more new diagnoses were reported in 270 cases (36%). The yield of new diagnoses made as a result of AMHT was a function of sex, but not of age or pre-referral status. Additional useful information relevant to a previously known diagnosis was reported in 234 cases (31%) and other benefits in 185 cases (25%). Patients were significantly reassured in 623 cases (83%) while disadvantages were reported in 41 cases (5%).
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009098:Multiphasic Screening; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012737:Sex Factors