Survey of the management of deep vein thrombosis in general practice in the Netherlands.
BACKGROUND
To investigate the management of (suspected) deep vein thrombosis in general practice.


METHODS
Self completing postal questionnaire among a random sample of 692 general practitioners in the Netherlands.


RESULTS
The overall response rate was 58%. Eighty-nine percent of the respondents initiated objective evaluation. Less than 3% usually make the diagnosis on clinical grounds only. Ninety-two percent initiated adequate treatment for the last patient with deep vein thrombosis. No more than 4% usually treat patients with acenocoumarol alone. Respondents frequently referred a patient to a specialist, 41% to confirm the diagnosis and 85% for treatment. Already 44% feel that management of deep vein thrombosis is a mandate of the general practitioner. For those who do not, the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic facilities are the main obstacles.


CONCLUSIONS
In general practice objective diagnostic methods to evaluate suspected deep vein thrombosis are routinely used and patients receive adequate treatment. Although patients are frequently referred to the hospital many general practitioners feel that they should be able to take care of these patients themselves. (See Editorial p. 133)
van der Velde
E F
EF
The Department of General Practice, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Kraaijenhagen
R A
RA
van Weert
H C
HC
Turkstra
F
F
Büller
H R
HR
D000074:Acenocoumarol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*
D000925:Anticoagulants; D000074:Acenocoumarol