[Evaluation of walk-in lung function service for smokers in Copenhagen--a 1-year study].
BACKGROUND
Early prevention of COPD and immediate consultation about tobacco cessation is a major issue in respiratory medicine.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate if a community-based walk-in lung function service, either in a clinic or a shopping mall, could result in early detection of COPD. Early detection would facilitate prevention.


METHODS
In an area with 1.5 mill inhabitants, a walk-in lung function service opened in 2005/06 once a month for 3 hours at a clinic and on two full days in a mall. The staff consisted of two respiratory nurses and one chest physician. The nurses informed all participants about their lung function level and all received a preventive talk about tobacco consumption. Those with signs of COPD spoke with the doctor immediately.


RESULTS
A total of 1169 subjects, 59% women, with a mean (SD) age of 60 years (15), visited the walk-in services, 602 (52%) of whom visited the walk-in service at the clinic. Among the participants, 826 (71%) were smokers (n=452) or former smokers (n=374). The mean tobacco consumption was 32 (18) packs a year. We found that more current smokers visited the walk-in service at the clinic (45% versus 33%), whereas more ex-smokers visited the lung function service at the mall (38% versus 25%) (p < 0.01). The mean tobacco consumption was 32 (18) packs a year, with a difference between those visiting the mall and the clinic (32 (20) versus 23 (16), p<0.05). Among smokers, 54% had normal lung function, 15% had signs of airway obstruction, whereas 31% had developed moderate to severe COPD.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite free medical access, more that one thirds had signs of airway obstruction. As all were informed about tobacco cessation, a walk-in service in a clinic and not a supermarket is most cost effective.
Backer
Vibeke
V
Bispebjerg Hospital, Lungemedicinsk Klinik L, Lungemedicinsk Forskningsenhed, København NV. backer@dadlnet.dk
Bolton
Sophie
S
Ehlers
Hanne D
HD
Thomsen
Simon
S
Pedersen
Lars
L
Porsbjerg
Celeste
C
Lund
Thomas
T
Harmsen
Lotte
L
Harmse
Lotte
L
Fuglsang
Charlotte
C