Document Detail


Comparison of a network of primary care physicians and an open spirometry programme for COPD diagnosis.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20663655     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) remains the cornerstone for effective management. In this study we compared an open spirometry programme and a case-finding programme providing spirometry to high-risk subjects selected by primary care physicians.
METHODS: A network of primary care physicians was created after invitation and all participants received training on COPD and spirometry. The study team visited 12 primary care settings in each programme in a 1-year period. Spirometry was performed in all eligible participants. COPD diagnosis and classification was based on GOLD guidelines and evaluation by a chest physician.
RESULTS: Patients with acceptable spirometry were evaluated (n = 201 in the case-finding and n = 905 in the open spirometry programme). The proportion of newly diagnosed COPD was 27.9% in the case-finding programme compared to 8.4% in the open spirometry programme (p < 0.0001). The numberneeded-to-screen (NNS) for a new diagnosis of COPD was 3.6 in the case-finding programme compared to 11.9 in the open spirometry programme. The majority of newly diagnosed patients were classified in GOLD stages I an II. The average cost for a new diagnosis of COPD was 173€ in the open spirometry programme and 102€ in the case-finding programme.
CONCLUSIONS: A case-finding programme involving primary care physicians was more cost-effective for the identification of new cases of COPD compared to an open spirometry programme. The development of networks of primary care physicians with access to good quality spirometry and specialist consultation for early diagnosis of COPD is justified.
Authors:
Vaya Konstantikaki; Konstantinos Kostikas; Markos Minas; Georgios Batavanis; Zoe Daniil; Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis; Chrissi Hatzoglou
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Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Respiratory medicine     Volume:  105     ISSN:  1532-3064     ISO Abbreviation:  Respir Med     Publication Date:  2011 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-01-17     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8908438     Medline TA:  Respir Med     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  274-81     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa, Greece.
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