Qualitative study of practices and challenges when making a diagnosis of asthma in primary care.

ABSTRACT: Misdiagnosis (over-diagnosis and under-diagnosis) of asthma is common. Under-diagnosis can lead to avoidable morbidity and mortality, while over-diagnosis exposes patients to unnecessary side effects of treatment(s) and results in unnecessary healthcare expenditure. We explored diagnostic approaches and challenges faced by general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses when making a diagnosis of asthma. Fifteen healthcare professionals (10 GPs and 5 nurses) of both sexes, different ages and varying years of experience who worked in NHS Lothian, Scotland were interviewed using in-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic approach. Clinical judgement of the probability of asthma was fundamental in the diagnostic process. Participants used heur

SUBMITTER: Akindele A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6637121 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature