Pilot study of discussion groups of "worried well" patients in an ambulatory care setting.

Two pilot discussion groups were conducted for patients who met selected criteria indicating they were worried well patients (not requiring conventional medical care services). The objective of the groups was to explore and demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing an educational approach conducted by paraprofessional personnel, under physician supervision, for helping to meet the needs of such patients, thereby reducing utilization of more expensive physician resources. The findings indicated that 50 percent of the patients reduced the number of visits to the physician, and 60 percent perceived the experience as helpful.