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BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 05/2008; 336(7650):943-4.
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ABSTRACT: To determine whether primary care management of chronic heart failure (CHF) differed between rural and urban areas in Australia.
A cross-sectional survey stratified by Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas (RRMA) classification. The primary source of data was the Cardiac Awareness Survey and Evaluation (CASE) study.
Secondary analysis of data obtained from 341 Australian general practitioners and 23 845 adults aged 60 years or more in 1998.
CHF determined by criteria recommended by the World Health Organization, diagnostic practices, use of pharmacotherapy, and CHF-related hospital admissions in the 12 months before the study.
There was a significantly higher prevalence of CHF among general practice patients in large and small rural towns (16.1%) compared with capital city and metropolitan areas (12.4%) (P < 0.001). Echocardiography was used less often for diagnosis in rural towns compared with metropolitan areas (52.0% v 67.3%, P < 0.001). Rates of specialist referral were also significantly lower in rural towns than in metropolitan areas (59.1% v 69.6%, P < 0.001), as were prescribing rates of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (51.4% v 60.1%, P < 0.001). There was no geographical variation in prescribing rates of beta-blockers (12.6% [rural] v 11.8% [metropolitan], P = 0.32). Overall, few survey participants received recommended "evidence-based practice" diagnosis and management for CHF (metropolitan, 4.6%; rural, 3.9%; and remote areas, 3.7%).
This study found a higher prevalence of CHF, and significantly lower use of recommended diagnostic methods and pharmacological treatment among patients in rural areas.
The Medical journal of Australia 06/2007; 186(9):441-5. · 2.81 Impact Factor
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The Medical journal of Australia 05/2006; 184(8):423-4. · 2.81 Impact Factor
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The Medical journal of Australia 10/2004; 181(6):297-9. · 2.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To explore potential barriers to the optimal diagnosis and management of heart failure in primary care.
Qualitative study involving semi-structured focus groups or telephone interviews with general practitioners, in three urban and one rural Division of General Practice with above-average elderly resident populations, conducted between 1 April and 31 July 2002.
31 self-selected GPs who responded to a general invitation and four GPs who were personally invited to participate in the study.
Issues identified by GPs as barriers and GPs' ratings of their importance.
GPs reported that most of the difficulties in accurately diagnosing heart failure were associated with masking of the disease by other conditions and the lack of specificity of the symptoms, particularly in the early stages. They felt that echocardiograms can be difficult to access, were of unclear benefit and may not be warranted in obvious cases. Concerns about possible side effects and reliance on other forms of therapy were common reasons for the suboptimal use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Underuse of beta-blockers was associated mainly with concerns about side effects, contraindications and comorbidities, and a lack of experience with initiating therapy, particularly in community settings.
This study identified specific barriers to GPs implementing evidence-based recommendations in managing heart failure. Tailored strategies that address the practical concerns of GPs about applying research evidence in the primary care setting and that facilitate better linkages between GPs and specialists are needed.
The Medical journal of Australia 08/2004; 181(2):78-81. · 2.81 Impact Factor
