The effect of an integrated care approach for XXXX on general practice.

@entity1 @entity712
BACKGROUND: Recent studies have investigated specific strategies for @entity712 management. None has involved collaboration between primary and secondary care. Potential gains for @entity1 may result from collaborative strategies. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of an integrated management approach for @entity1 with @entity712 on general practice. METHODS: The study design was a cluster randomized controlled trial of integrated primary/ secondary care compared with usual care for @entity712 @entity1 . The study took place at Auckland Hospital, New Zealand and involved 197 @entity1 admitted with an episode of @entity712 . @entity1 were randomized to management group or control group (who received "usual" care). Management group @entity1 received early clinical review, education sessions, a personal diary for medications and weight, and regular clinical follow-up alternating between GP and hospital clinic. Follow-up was for 12 months. RESULTS: @entity1 visited GPs frequently (median 14 visits, range 0-40), with no statistical difference between the two groups. @entity712 was the most common reason for consulting the GP. There was no relationship between GP consultations and @entity1 ' attendance at the study clinic, or hospital admissions. Management group GPs and @entity1 expressed a high level of satisfaction. CONCLUSION: GP consultation rates were not affected by the programme. Further research will determine if general practice based programmes result in further gains.
