Key result
Physicians' global estimates of disease severity were strongly associated with specific physician-rated disease variables (P < 0.001) but only marginally associated with patient self-rated health.
Cross-Sectional (n=1,662)
Yes
Physicians' global ratings of disease severity provide prognostic information that is complementary to, but distinct from, patient self-rated health.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Physician global severity estimates should not yet supplant patient self-rated health; leaves open incremental prognostic value in longitudinal studies.
BACKGROUND: We evaluated how well physicians' global estimates of disease severity correspond to more specific physician-rated disease variables as well as patients' self-rated health and other patient variables. METHODS: We analyzed baseline data from 1662 primary care patients with chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease who were enrolled in a longitudinal study of health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Each patient's primary physician rated overall disease severity, estimated the two-year risk of hospitalization and mortality, and reported the use of disease-specific medications, tests, and subspecialty referrals. Patient variables included sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial factors, self-rated health, and both generic and disease-specific HRQoL. RESULTS: Physicians rated 40% of their patients "about average", 30% "worse", and 30% "better" than the typical patient seen with the specific target disorder. The physician's global estimate of disease severity was strongly associated (P < 0.001) with each of the five more specific elements of physician-rated disease severity, but only marginally associated with patient self-rated health. Multivariable regression identified a set of patient variables that explained 16.4% of the variance in physician-rated disease severity. CONCLUSION: Physicians' global ratings may provide disease severity and prognostic information unique from and complementary to patient self-rated health and HRQoL measures. The elements influencing physician-rated disease severity and its predictive validity for clinical outcomes warrant prospective investigation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kroenke et al. (2006) conducted a cross-sectional in Chronic cardiac or pulmonary disease (CAD/CHF, COPD, or asthma) (n=1,662). Physician's global estimate of disease severity vs. Patient self-rated health was evaluated on Association between physician's global estimate of disease severity and specific elements of physician-rated disease severity (p=<0.001). Physicians' global estimates of disease severity were strongly associated with specific physician-rated disease variables (P < 0.001) but only marginally associated with patient self-rated health.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: