Table 1.
Reason given by GPs interviewed (from lower, average and higher stool submitting surgeries) for sending a stool specimen for microbiology laboratory investigation
| |
Stool submission rate (number of GPs) |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Criteria | Lower (n = 5) | Average (n = 6) | Higher (n = 9) |
| Duration of illness |
5 |
5 |
7 |
| Travel abroad |
3 |
2 |
3 |
| Generally unwell |
1 |
2 |
3 |
| Blood |
1 |
2 |
1 |
| Exclude infection |
1 |
2 |
4 |
| Chronic illness |
1 |
- |
- |
| Anxious |
1 |
- |
1 |
| Recent Antibiotics |
1 |
- |
1 |
| Family members ill |
1 |
- |
1 |
| Frail patient |
1 |
- |
- |
| Systemic symptoms |
1 |
- |
- |
| Quality of stool | - | - | 1 |