Abstract
Aim:
To assess the primary care management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in relation to COPD guidelines.
Method:
A postal questionnaire was sent out to all Primary Health Care Centres (PHCCs) in western Sweden (n=232). The response rate was 75%.
Results:
A majority of the PHCCs had a nurse and physician responsible for COPD care. They used spirometry equipment regularly, but only 50% reported that they calibrated it at least weekly. Less than 30% of the PHCCs reported access to a dietician, occupational therapist or physiotherapist. There was a structured smoking cessation program in 50% of the PHCCs. Larger PHCCs were more likely to use spirometry equipment regularly and to have specific personnel for COPD care.
Conclusion:
There is a need to establish structured programs for COPD care including smoking cessation programs for COPD patients with special trained staff. Larger PHCCs have a better infrastructure for providing guideline-defined COPD care.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Thorn, J., Norrhall, M., Larsson, R. et al. Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care: a questionnaire survey in western Sweden. Prim Care Respir J 17, 26–31 (2008). https://doi.org/10.3132/pcrj.2008.00008
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3132/pcrj.2008.00008