Table 3.
Presence of information in the patient files related to adherence to COPD guidelines for the patients included in the study by the 124 GPs who participated in both surveys
| Survey 1 | Survey 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| BMI (kg/m2) | 8% | 40%** |
| Dietary instruction given (BMI < 20) | 38% | 59%* |
| Smoking cessation advice given (smokers only) | 40% | 57%* |
| Instruction in inhalation technique documented | 25% | 41%* |
| Dyspnea score recorded (MRC) | 7% | 38%** |
| Referred for COPD rehabilitation | 12% | 16%a |
| Inhaled corticosteroids in mild COPD | 76% | 45%** |
| Inhaled corticosteroids in severe COPD | 86% | 85%a |
For comparison between survey 1 and 2:
a
NS,
*
P < 0.01, and
**
P < 0.001.
Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; MRC, Medical Research Council.