Diagnosing asthma in adults in primary care: a qualitative study of Australian GPs' experiences.
OBJECTIVE
To explore what difficulties are faced by general practitioners (GPs) when trying to make a diagnosis of asthma in adults, and whether there are patient characteristics that influence this process.


METHODS
A qualitative study in which three focus group discussions were conducted with 18 GPs.


RESULTS
GPs were confident with the components needed to confirm a diagnosis of asthma but not with the use of spirometry. GPs said that time was an important factor - time to undertake the tests in their practice, and time to persuade the patient to engage in the diagnostic process including follow-up visits. Patients who were less willing to engage in this process were likely to be treated symptomatically.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuity of care is important. A diagnosis of asthma seems to be more likely in patients with an ongoing relationship with their GP where both are willing to engage in the diagnostic process.
Dennis
Sarah M
SM
Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. s.dennis@unsw.edu.au
Zwar
Nicholas A
NA
Marks
Guy B
GB
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D011320:Primary Health Care; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013147:Spirometry