Barnes JJ, Patel S, Mannocci F. Why do general dental practitioners refer to a specific specialist endodontist in practice? International Endodontic Journal.
Abstract
Aims To identify the factors that influence the decision of general dental practitioners (GDPs) in Northern Ireland to refer to a specific specialist endodontist.
Methodology A self-administered questionnaire was sent to 220 GDPs in Northern Ireland. The questionnaire comprised questions on demographic characteristics, pattern of practice, pattern of referral and factors influencing the decision to refer to a specific specialist endodontist in practice. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-squared (χ2) test at the 0.05 level of significance.
Results The response rate was 81%. All respondents stated that they carried out root canal treatment, and the majority (83%) stated that they also carried out root canal retreatment. A minority of respondents (11%) stated that they carried out surgical endodontics. These individuals were more likely to be men, hold a postgraduate qualification, or work in a rural location. The majority of respondents (94%) referred patients with an endodontic problem. These individuals were more likely to be women, not hold a postgraduate qualification, or not carry out surgical endodontics. GDPs indicated a preference for referring to a specialist endodontist in practice over other treatment providers. Factors considered to be of importance in the decision to refer to a specialist endodontist in practice included the practice location of, reputation of, communication with and patient management by the specialist endodontist. The greatest proportion of respondents ranked short waiting time for a consultation as the top promoter when referring to a specific specialist endodontist in practice.
Conclusion The decision by GDPs to refer to a specific specialist endodontist in practice is multifactorial and influenced by several factors independent from the nature of endodontic disease. In Northern Ireland, the top promoter for referring to a specific specialist endodontist in practice was a relatively short waiting time for a consultation.
北アイルランドの歯科医が歯内療法専門医に紹介する理由を調査した論文です。
一般の歯科医は根管治療は行うが、外科的歯内療法は１１パーセントの歯科医歯科行っておらず、男性歯科医に多い。
専門医に対する紹介は、歯内療法的問題が原因で行うが、誰に紹介するかは、専門医の立地、評判、患者とのコミュニケーション、患者管理が重要であり、とりわけ、相談までの時間が少ないことが最重要のようである。
