Asthma in children: Management practices among paediatricians and family physicians.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the variation in asthma management practices among paediatricians and family physicians to determine how to improve care.


METHODS
Questionnaire study of paediatricians and family physicians that focused on the use of beta(2)-agonists, inhaled corticosteroids, patient asthma education, quantitative measurements of airflow and diagnostic investigations for asthma. Case scenarios were used in the questionnaire.


RESULTS
The response rate was 66% (415 of 632) among paediatricians and 42% (1156 of 2750) among family physicians. In general, both groups followed consensus guidelines. There were some differences in management practices among paediatricians and family physicians. Paediatricians were more likely to develop an action plan and less likely to use xanthines or inhaled anticholinergic agents. However, family physicians were more likely to use spirometry or home peak expiratory flow rates to make a diagnosis of asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Family physicians and paediatricians require a different focus on educational interventions to improve the care of children with asthma.
Mitchell
I
I
Alberta Children's Hospital and University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta;
Choi
B C
BC
McRae
L
L
Chan
B T
BT