Predictors of patient-initiated reconsultation for lower respiratory tract infections in general practice

Reconsultation for lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is common in general practice, but those who reconsult rarely have more significant illness warranting antibiotics. Knowledge of factors that predict patient-initiated reconsultation may allow clinicians to address specific issues during the initial consultation that could reduce reconsultations. Thirty-three per cent of a cohort of 431 LRTI patients in a randomised controlled trial reconsulted. Excluding 35 patients with GP-requested reconsultation left 28% (112/396) with a patient-initiated reconsultation during 28-day follow-up. Patient-reported dyspnoea and concerns that persisted after the initial consultation independently predicted patient-initiated reconsultation.