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Diagnosing asthma in adults in primary care: a qualitative study of Australian GPs' experiences.
- Source :
- Primary Care Respiratory Journal; Mar2010, Vol. 19 Issue 1, p52-56, 6p
- Publication Year :
- 2010
-
Abstract
- Aim: To explore what difficulties are faced by general practitioners (GPs) when trying to make a diagnosis of asthma in adults, and whether there are patient characteristics that influence this process. Methods: A qualitative study in which three focus group discussions were conducted with 18 GPs. Results: GPs were confident with the components needed to confirm a diagnosis of asthma but not with the use of spirometry. GPs said that time was an important factor - time to undertake the tests in their practice, and time to persuade the patient to engage in the diagnostic process including follow-up visits. Patients who were less willing to engage in this process were likely to be treated symptomatically. Conclusion: Continuity of care is important. A diagnosis of asthma seems to be more likely in patients with an ongoing relationship with their GP where both are willing to engage in the diagnostic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- ASTHMA diagnosis
PRIMARY care
GENERAL practitioners
QUALITATIVE research
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14714418
- Volume :
- 19
- Issue :
- 1
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Primary Care Respiratory Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 52258090
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.4104/pcrj.2009.00046