Management of COPD in general practice in Denmark--participating in an educational program substantially improves adherence to guidelines.
OBJECTIVE
The general practitioner (GP) is the first contact with the health care system for most patients with COPD in Denmark. We studied, if participating in an educational program could improve adherence to guidelines, not least for diagnosis, staging, and treatment of the disease.


METHODS
Two cross-sectional surveys were performed precisely one year apart before and after an educational program for the participating GPs. A total of 124 GPs completed the study; 1716 and 1342 patients with GP-diagnosed COPD and no concomitant asthma, respectively, were included in the two surveys.


RESULTS
The proportion of patients having FEV(1) registered in the GPs files increased from 45% to 69% (P < 0.001); and, furthermore, FEV(1) % of predicted was recorded in 30% and 56%, respectively, of the cases (P < 0.001). In line with this, significant improvements were also observed for registration of smoking status (69% to 85%), BMI (8% to 40%), severity of dyspnea (Medical Research Council) (7% to 38%), and FEV(1)/FVC ratio (28% to 58%) (P < 0.001). Concerning the management options, improvements were also observed with regard to antismoking counseling, inhalator technique, physical activity, and referral for rehabilitation; use of inhaled corticosteroids in patients with mild COPD (FEV(1) > 80%pred) declined from 76% to 45%.


CONCLUSIONS
Diagnosis and management of COPD in general practice in Denmark is not according to guidelines, but substantial improvements can be achieved by focused education of GPs and their staff.
Ulrik
Charlotte Suppli
CS
Department of Cardiology and Respiratory Medicine, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. csulrik@dadlnet.dk
Hansen
Ejvind Frausing
EF
Jensen
Michael Skov
MS
Rasmussen
Finn Vejlø
FV
Dollerup
Jens
J
Hansen
Gert
G
Andersen
Klaus Kaae
KK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*
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