Evaluation of an interdisciplinary electronic consultation service between general practitioners and medical specialists in The Netherlands: a prospective cohort study

Key Points

• The goal is to evaluate the effectiveness of an electronic consultation service between general practitioners and medical specialists.
• Conducted a prospective cohort study involving e-consultations between GPs and specialists.
• Assessed the impact of e-consultations on clinical uncertainty and referral rates.
• Collected data on the management of cases and outcomes post-implementation.
• E-consultations significantly decreased unnecessary referrals from GPs to specialists.
• The service improved the decision-making process for GPs in uncertain clinical situations.
• Positive feedback was received regarding the efficiency and accessibility of consultations.