TY - JOUR T1 - Predictive values of GPs’ suspicion of serious disease are high enough to warrant subsequent investigation JF - Evidence Based Medicine JO - Evid Based Med SP - 232 LP - 232 DO - 10.1136/ebmed-2014-110060 VL - 19 IS - 6 AU - Knut Holtedahl Y1 - 2014/12/01 UR - http://ebm.bmj.com/content/19/6/232.abstract N2 - Commentary on: Hjertholm P, Ingeman ML, Vedsted P, et al. Predictive values of GPs’ suspicion of serious disease: a population-based follow-up study. Br J Gen Pract 2014;64:e346–53.OpenUrlAbstract/FREE Full Text Although general practitioners (GPs) act as gatekeepers to further investigation into patients’ medical issues, much is unknown about what factors cause them to suspect serious disease and to what extent such suspicions correspond with final diagnoses, especially in the case of cancer. The cohort study conducted by Hjertholm et al attempts to answer these questions, while also examining what actions are taken by GPs when serious disease is suspected. GPs in a region of Denmark were invited to participate in a 1-day registration of data concerning consulting patients, including a final question, “Are you left with the slightest suspicion of cancer or another serious disease?” Of the invited GPs, 404 (46%) … ER -