Management of upper respiratory tract infections by telephone.
We surveyed Utah general internists (N = 134) regarding their attitudes toward and practices associated with telephone management of upper respiratory tract infections. The questionnaire contained 3 case vignettes--viral upper respiratory tract infection, streptococcal pharyngitis, and acute infectious epiglottitis--and a series of questions were asked about telephone diagnosis, management preferences (clinic versus telephone), and telephone management practices. The 53 respondents (40%) were able to make important diagnostic distinctions about upper respiratory tract infections from a written vignette. As the likelihood of a complicated or serious condition increased, patients would be appropriately triaged for clinical evaluation. Most internists would make a written record of the telephone conversation. Only 1 internist of the 53 would charge for telephone management.
Jepson
S
S
Providence Medical Center, Portland, Oregon.
Holbrook
J H
JH
Hale
D
D
Lyon
J
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone