Rapid Communication
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co.
World J Gastroenterol. Dec 21, 2006; 12(47): 7671-7675
Published online Dec 21, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i47.7671
Table 2 Frequency of assurance and avoidance behaviors among gastroenterologists surveyed
Oftenn (%)Never/rarelyn (%)
Assurance behavior
Order more tests than medically indicated7 (5)83 (64)
Prescribe more medications (e.g., antibiotics) than medically indicated0 (0)110 (84)
Refer patients to other specialists unnecessarily36 (27)41 (32)
Suggest invasive procedures (e.g., biopsy) to confirm diagnosis21 (16)61 (47)
Avoidance behavior
Avoid certain procedures or interventions24 (18)32 (24)
Avoid caring for high-risk patients27 (21)32 (24)