Table 6.
Comparison among the 3 pathways of patient demographic and clinical characteristics, length of episode, no. of visits, and health care impact variables for epigastric pain: N=65.
| VARIABLE | PATHWAY 1* n=33 (50.8%) | PATHWAY 2* n=10 (15.4%) | PATHWAY 3* n=22 (33.8%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean age, y | 55.64 | 59.30 | 59.86 |
| Female sex, n (%) | 22 (66.7) | 8 (80.0) | 17 (77.3) |
| Prior psychological conditions, n (%) | 7 (21.2) | 3 (30.0) | 9 (40.9) |
| Prior chronic conditions, n (%) P=.002† | 28 (84.8) | 4 (40.0) | 20 (90.9) |
| No. of visits, n (%) | |||
| • 1 | 30 (90.9) | 0 (0.0) | 21 (95.5) |
| • 2 | 1 (3.0) | 5 (50.0) | 1 (4.5) |
| • ≥3 | 2 (6.1) | 5 (50.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| Mean length of episode, mo P<.001‡ | 0.94 | 10.10 | 0.00 |
| Mean no. of visits P<.001‡ | 1.24 | 2.70 | 1.05 |
| Common diagnoses | NA | Anxiety GI infection Peptic ulcer | Esophageal disease (28.0%) Anxiety Stomach function disorder |
| Prescribed medications, n (%) P=.025† | 27 (81.8) | 10 (100.0) | 13 (59.1) |
| Received investigations, n (%) | 13 (39.4) | 6 (60.0) | 6 (27.3) |
| Received laboratory tests, n (%) | 4 (12.1) | 1 (10.0) | 1 (4.5) |
| Received referrals, n (%) | 4 (12.1) | 3 (30.0) | 7 (31.8) |
