Feasibility and effectiveness of an asthma/COPD service for primary care: a cross-sectional baseline description and longitudinal results.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2007, an Asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (AC) service was implemented in the North of the Netherlands to support General Practitioners (GPs) by providing advice from pulmonologists on a systematic basis.

Aims

To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of this service on patient-related outcomes.

Methods

We report baseline data on 11,401 patients and follow-up data from 2,556 patients. GPs can refer all patients with possible obstructive airway disease (OAD) to the service, which is conducted by the local laboratory. Patients are assessed in the laboratory using questionnaires and spirometry. Pulmonologists inspect the data through the internet and send the GP diagnosis and management advice.

Results

A total of 11,401 patient

SUBMITTER: Metting EI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4532146 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature