Enhancing general physicians' awareness for prompt specialist referral in a treatable rare pathology

Ghazala Huma; Brig Munawar Jannat Rana; Muhammad Usman Khalid; Muhammad Israr; Nadia Hameed; Farhat R Malik

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v7nS1.14431

Authors

Ghazala Huma
huma.gynae@yahoo.com
Department of Gynae obs, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Peshawar
Brig Munawar Jannat Rana Department of Gynae obs, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Peshawar
Muhammad Usman Khalid Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, BZU, Multan
Muhammad Israr Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, BZU, Multan
Nadia Hameed Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, BZU, Multan
Farhat R. Malik Professor, Department of Community Health Sciences, Peshawar Medical College, Warsak Road, Peshawar, (Affiliated with Riphah International University, Islamabad), Pakistan

Keywords:

physicians, rare pathologies, time constraints, interventions

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the awareness of general physicians regarding treatable rare pathologies and their referral practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed in Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Peshawar, involving 100 general physicians practicing in various healthcare settings. Data was collected through surveys and interviews conducted between June 2022 and December 2022. Results: The survey results showed that only 45% of general physicians had adequate knowledge of treatable rare pathologies, while 35% had limited awareness and 20% were uncertain. Barriers to awareness included limited formal education, lack of updated guidelines and resources, time constraints, and heavy workloads. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for interventions to enhance general physicians' awareness of treatable rare pathologies and improve their referral practices. Collaboration between general physicians and specialists, provision of updated guidelines and resources, and patient education initiatives are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes in cases of treatable rare pathologies.

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