Date of Award
2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Supervisor
Dr. Amardeep Thind
Second Advisor
Dr. Stewart Harris
Third Advisor
Dr. Yun-Hee Choi
Abstract
Objective: Determine the referral rate and the visit and patient factors associated with specialist referral for patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Sample consisted of 9,443 patient-physician visits from eight family practice groups in southwestern and central Ontario. GEE was used for the regression analysis. Results: The referral rate was 3.7 referrals per 100 patient visits. The odds of referral decreased if a visit occurred with a female patient and if an ACR measurement was not available at the visit. A one year increase in the number of years with the family physician resulted in a lower odds of referral. The odds of referral increased if the patient had a specialist appointment in the previous two years, if lifestyle counseling occurred and if a neuropathy examination was performed. Conclusions: Further research should assess the influence of visit level factors on decision making. Guidelines for specialist referral should also be considered.
Recommended Citation
Richardson, Marina, "Factors Associated with Specialist Referral for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Southwestern and Central Ontario" (2010). Digitized Theses. 3900.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3900