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Under-diagnosis of Chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a qualitative study in primary care
Citation
Walters, JAE and Hansen, EC and Walters, EH and Wood-Baker, R, Under-diagnosis of Chronic obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a qualitative study in primary care, Respiratory Medicine, 102, (5) pp. 738-743. ISSN 0954-6111 (2008) [Refereed Article]
DOI: doi:10.1016/j.rmed.2007.12.008
Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is under-diagnosed and diagnosis often occurs late thereby reducing opportunities to prevent deterioration. Investigation of causes has focused on the use of spirometry but the role of attitudes of doctors and patients has not been directly investigated. Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients diagnosed with COPD and their general practitioners in two general practices in Tasmania who participated in semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Practice records were examined and patients underwent spirometry, quality of life and symptom assessment. Iterative content analysis identified themes that were compared with quantitative data. Findings: For the 32 participating patients, mean recorded duration of COPD was 8.0 (SD 6.8) years and mean FEV 1% predicted 38.4% (SD 19.8). Qualitative data were obtained from 14 (44%) of patients with COPD (5M/9F) and 16 general practitioners (GPs) (10M/6F). We identified three themes around the diagnosis of COPD in primary care: patients' labels, acquiring and communicating a diagnosis and consequences of delaying or withholding diagnosis. Doctors correctly recognised that patients were unfamiliar with COPD. They intentionally avoided early diagnosis as a result of nihilism and misperception of patients' attitudes. Patients often received the diagnosis from other sources and found delayed diagnosis frustrating. Interpretation: Nihilistic attitudes to COPD may explain the disappointing results from promotion of spirometry in primary care. Education about COPD for doctors in primary care is needed and action to increase awareness and understanding of COPD in the community. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Item Details
| Item Type: | Refereed Article |
|---|---|
| Research Division: | Health Sciences |
| Research Group: | Health services and systems |
| Research Field: | Primary health care |
| Objective Division: | Health |
| Objective Group: | Clinical health |
| Objective Field: | Clinical health not elsewhere classified |
| UTAS Author: | Walters, JAE (Dr Julia Walters) |
| UTAS Author: | Hansen, EC (Dr Emily Hansen) |
| UTAS Author: | Walters, EH (Professor Haydn Walters) |
| UTAS Author: | Wood-Baker, R (Professor Richard Wood-Baker) |
| ID Code: | 52110 |
| Year Published: | 2008 |
| Web of Science® Times Cited: | 50 |
| Deposited By: | Menzies Institute for Medical Research |
| Deposited On: | 2008-05-30 |
| Last Modified: | 2009-05-02 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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