Abstract
Method
A sample of 103 persons provided information on MUS and health care utilization (HCU) during the previous 12 months. The persons’
GPs (n = 103) were asked for the same information. By determining patient–physician agreement on reported symptoms, the sample was
subdivided into a concordance group (high agreement: Pt = GP) and two discordance groups (substantial disagreement: Pt > GP,
Pt < GP).
GPs (n = 103) were asked for the same information. By determining patient–physician agreement on reported symptoms, the sample was
subdivided into a concordance group (high agreement: Pt = GP) and two discordance groups (substantial disagreement: Pt > GP,
Pt < GP).
Results
Patients and their GPs showed substantial disagreement concerning physical symptom reports for the prior 12 months. On means,
patients named 3.26 (SD = 3.23; range 0–21) physical complaints of which 71.6% were considered to be medically unexplained
(MUS), whereas GPs only determined 1.77 (SD = 1.94; range 0–11) symptoms of which 57.5% were MUS. Substantial patient–physician
agreement regarding the number of reported MUS was detected in 29.1% of the cases (Pt = GP). Patients of all groups underestimated
their HCU.
patients named 3.26 (SD = 3.23; range 0–21) physical complaints of which 71.6% were considered to be medically unexplained
(MUS), whereas GPs only determined 1.77 (SD = 1.94; range 0–11) symptoms of which 57.5% were MUS. Substantial patient–physician
agreement regarding the number of reported MUS was detected in 29.1% of the cases (Pt = GP). Patients of all groups underestimated
their HCU.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s12529-011-9213-2
- Authors
- Sarah Schumacher, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstrasse 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Winfried Rief, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstrasse 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Elmar Brähler, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Alexandra Martin, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Heide Glaesmer, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Ricarda Mewes, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Marburg, Gutenbergstrasse 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Journal International Journal of Behavioral Medicine
- Online ISSN 1532-7558
- Print ISSN 1070-5503