What’s behind decisions to do a diagnostic test in a child in general practice? Lessons from the Netherlands

Today, we’re speaking to Dr Sophie Ansems, a GP and PhD candidate, and Dr Lianne Mulder, both based at the Department of Primary and Long-term Care at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. 

Title of paper: General practitioners’ perspectives on diagnostic testing in children with persistent non-specific symptoms

Available at: https://doi.org/10.3399/BJGP.2023.0683

It is known that GPs employ diagnostic tests in adults with persistent non-specific symptoms for motives beyond strictly diagnostic purposes, but comparable research has not been conducted in children. This study adds that although GPs want to limit unnecessary invasive procedures in children, non-diagnostic motives to test are considered important, for example to provide reassurance or secure the GP-patient relationship. The decision to conduct diagnostic tests in children with persistent non-specific symptoms is based on a complex trade-off among medical considerations, psychosocial factors, consultation management, and efficient resource utilization. Awareness amongst GPs of the motives underlying their own testing behaviour in children with PNS could prompt changes in their testing practices.