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In 5 Viennese general practice offices we investigated patients by spirometry with the following indications: differential diagnosis of dyspnea; every 3rd smoker of more than 10 cigarettes a day (including asymptomatic ones); cough and nasal disorders of more than 4 weeks duration; indicative physical findings (cyanosis or auscultation). The sample control group was matched for age and gender and did not have any symptoms characteristic of the indication group. Nevertheless a spirometric test was also carried out in these patients. A total of 212 patients were examined in 4673 consultations on 202 workdays in the 5 offices. In the group of 109 patients 62 (56.9%) had dyspnea and/or positive signs on auscultation. Of these 62 patients 39 (62.9%) had 1 or more positive findings either from PEF or FEV 1 or both. There were significantly more referrals for X-rays in case of abnormal lung function. The control group of 103 obviously healthy persons in particular showed a significantly higher number of abnormal PEF values than expected (31 persons, 30.1%).

Data relevant to the management and post-hospital care of cancer patients were collected in six Austrian General Practices. The prevalence of the most frequent malignant diseases was the same as in extensive Austrian statistics. 10% of our patients were in observance at our practices for more than ten years. Diagnosis was attained in 30% by follow-up of relevant symptoms with the means available to the General Practitioner. 43.3% could be considered healed and had no treatment whatever. Patients being treated in an oncologic centre were significantly younger than patients staying with the General Practitioner. Even in doctors highly motivated to personally inform patients about their diagnosis, 29% of patients had, for valid reasons, not been informed. Only two of 36 patients died at home.