Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the functioning of junior doctors working in
accident and emergency (A&E) departments. Methods: The data of all patients treated by junior doctors at an A&E department over a 3-week
period were collected. Diagnosis and treatment were verified on the basis of the outpatient
diagnosis and treatment; patients who were discharged or referred to their general
practitioner were asked to complete a standard questionnaire. The number of requests
for laboratory or radiography investigations was also recorded, and patient satisfaction
was evaluated. Results: Of the 1108 patients examined by junior A&E doctors, 791 (72 %) were also treated
and discharged by these doctors. Laboratory and radiographic investigations were requested
for 220 (20 %) and 492 (44 %) patients; of these investigations, 119 (54 %) and 206
(42 %) revealed abnormalities, respectively. In 1 % of patients the correct diagnosis
was not established. Conclusions: The traditional junior A&E doctor is capable of treating patients or of referring
them appropriately without making excessive use of diagnostic investigations. If the
function of A&E doctors is to distinguish between patients who need specialist medical
care or who can be treated in, and discharged from, the A&E department, then possibly
these doctors do not require extensive specialist training.
Key words
accident and emergency (A&E) department - decision-making - referrals
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Dr. F. C. Bakker
Department of Trauma Surgery · VU University Medical Center
P O Box 70 57
1007 MB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Phone: +31/20/4 44 45 54
Fax: +31/20/4 44 02 74
Email: fc.bakker@vumc.nl
