Abstract
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. However, much of the disease burden remains undiagnosed. Aim To compare the yield and cost effectiveness of two COPD case-finding approaches in primary care. Design and setting Pilot randomised controlled trial in two general practices in the West Midlands, UK. Method A total of 1634 ever-smokers aged 35-79 years with no history of COPD or asthma were randomised into either a 'targeted' or 'opportunistic' case-finding arm. Respiratory questionnaires were posted to patients in the 'targeted' arm and provided to patients in the 'opportunistic' arm at routine GP appointments. Those reporting at least one chronic respiratory symptom were invited for spirometry. COPD was defined as pre-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC)
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | e55-e62 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | British Journal of General Practice |
Volume | 63 |
Issue number | 606 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |