Establishing a minor illness nurse in a busy general practice.

Marsh, G N; Dawes, M L · BMJ · 1995

prospective_cohort · Level II

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Abstract

To study the feasibility of a practice nurse caring for patients with minor illnesses. Nurse given training in dealing with patients with minor illnesses. Patients requesting a same day appointment were offered a nurse consultation. Group practice in Stockton on Tees. Number of consultations which required a doctor contact, treatment, and rate of reconsultation. Of 696 consultations in six months, 602 (86%) required no doctor contact. 549 (79%) patients did not reconsult about the episode of illness, and 343 (50%) patients were given advice on self care only. Trained nurses could diagnose and treat a large proportion of patients currently consulting general practitioners about minor illness provided that the nurse has immediate access to a doctor.

Medical subject headings