Primary prevention of cardio-metabolic diseases in general practice: a Dutch survey of attitudes and working methods of general practitioners.

BACKGROUND

To study the attitudes and working methods of general practitioners (GPs) in primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney diseases.

METHODS

A questionnaire with questions about attitude and working methods in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney diseases in general practice was sent to a representative sample of 1,100 Dutch GPs. The questionnaire was developed in collaboration with experts in general practice, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and kidney disease.

RESULTS

A total of 330 GPs completed and returned the questionnaire (30% response). Only a quarter of the GP's actively invite patients for preventive measurements. Preventive measures are mainly performed by the GP when a patient asks for it or when patients visit a GP for other complaints. The main reasons for performing preventive tests were a positive family history, obesity and smoking. Most GPs consider detection of these diseases as worthwhile, but detection should particularly focus on the group of patients with the highest risk on these diseases.

CONCLUSION

GPs have a positive attitude towards primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney diseases, but primary prevention should be focused on patients at risk.