Benefits of an open access echocardiography service: a Dutch prospective cohort study

• Published in: Netherlands heart journal 2013-09, Vol.21 (9), p.399-405
• Main Authors: van Gurp, N., Boonman-De Winter, L. J. M., Meijer Timmerman Thijssen, D. W., Stoffers, H. E. J. H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiology; Medical Education; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Original Article–E-Learning; Original –E-Learning
• ISSN: 1568-5888; 1876-6250
• DOI: 10.1007/s12471-013-0416-9

Background Open access echocardiography has been evaluated in the United Kingdom, but hardly in the Netherlands. The echocardiography service of the SHL-Groep in Etten-Leur was set up independently from the regional hospitals. Cardiologists not involved in the direct care of the participating patients evaluated the echocardiograms taken by ultrasound technicians. Aims We estimated the reduction in the number of referrals to regional cardiologists, the adherence of the general practitioners (GPs) to the advice of the evaluating cardiologist, GPs’ opinion on the benefit of the echocardiography service and GPs’ adherence to the diagnostic protocol advocated in the Dutch clinical guideline for heart failure. Methods A prospective cohort study was performed. Patients were included from April 2011 to April 2012 ( N  = 155). Data from application forms ( N  = 155), echocardiography results ( N  = 155) and telephone interviews with GPs ( N  = 138) were analysed. Results GPs referred less patients to the cardiologist than they would have done without echocardiography available (92 % vs. 34 %, p