[Check up 35: what benefits do general practitioners in Brandenburg see?]

Abstract

Introduction: The so-called "Check up 35" is a structured preventive examination to be conducted by primary care providers. Recent interviews have shown that expectations with regard to this examination vary among physicians; some of them expressed doubt that the consultation is useful at all. The aim of this study was to representatively examine Brandenburg's family physicians' attitudes towards this "Check up".

Methods: 50% of the family physicians listed in the data base of the Association of SHI Physicians were randomly selected to receive a mail questionnaire (n=748). Participation in the study was voluntary, the questionnaires were evaluated anonymously. The physicians were asked about both content and assumed benefit of consultations.

Results: The questionnaire was answered by 37% of the physicians (n=274). In 2008, 40 "Check ups" were conducted every three months. 96% of the physicians amended the standard programme with additional preventive examinations - most frequently serum creatinine measurements. In most of the respectively rated categories, they appreciate the usefulness of the examination. In contrast, they take a rather sceptical attitude towards the en bloc standard programme.

Discussion: The study shows that many family physicians are very critical of the "Check up 35"; in particular, this applies to the range of scheduled examinations. There are considerable variations in the individual shaping of the consultation process among the physicians. They use the "Check up" as a tool for individual prevention instead of limiting it to the reduced standardised screening as intended.