CompletedNot Applicable

The Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness of Medical Advice Given by Telephone for Patients Calling for Primary Care

France2,498 participantsStarted 2015-03

Plain-language summary

Telephone medical advice in general practice is expanding. The Cochrane Database concludes in 2008 that there is not enough data about its use regarding out-of-hours general practitioners workload, emergency department visits, cost, safety and patient satisfaction. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of telephone medical advice given by a general practitioner in a call centre for patient presenting isolated fever or gastroenteritis symptoms.

Who can participate

Age range

1 Year

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Disease: * Fever: temperature ≥ 38 ° C * Symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea and / or vomiting and / or diarrhea * Onset of symptoms for less than 72 hours * Age ≥ 18 years caller * Patient age ≥ 1 year * Affiliation to the French National Health Service Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy * Severity criteria (fever\> 41 ° C, disturbance of consciousness, rash, dyspnea, signs of dehydration, chest pain, neurological signs, gastrointestinal bleeding) * Seeking advice from institutional correspondents (fire brigade, police, airport…) * Communication difficulties (non-communicating patient, language barrier...)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Proportion of patient with physical consultation by a general practitioner or in an emergency department, during out-of-hours periods

Timeframe: at 15 days

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02286245

SponsorAssistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2016-09

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Isolated Fever trials