Table 1. Baseline characteristics of the total patient population in the AC tele-medicine service.
| Variable | Total group, n=11,401 |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis of | n (%) |
| COPD | 2,031 (17.8) |
| Very unstable (CCQ⩾3) | 161 (8.0) |
| Asthma | 5,223 (45.8) |
| Uncontrolled (ACQ⩾1.50) | 2,049 (39.3) |
| Asthma/COPD overlap syndrome | 787 (6.9) |
| Very unstable (CCQ⩾3) | 77 (9.9) |
| Uncontrolled (ACQ⩾1.50) | 308 (39.4) |
| Indication for restriction | 159 (1.4) |
| No lung disease | 796 (7.0) |
| Unclear diagnosis | 2,354 (20.6) |
| Missing at random | 15 (0.1) |
| Diagnosis is unclear because of | n (%) |
| Incorrect lung function test | 297 (12.6) |
| Unknown | 2,057 (87.4) |
| Referral to pulmonologist because of | n (%) |
| Unclear diagnosis | 1,966 (54.7) |
| Indication of restriction | 18 (0.005) |
| Unable to perform lung function test | 18 (0.005) |
| COPD | 558 (15.5) |
| FEV1 <50% predicted | 302 (54.3) |
| Asthma/COPD overlap syndrome | 214 (6.0) |
| FEV1 <50% predicted | 27 (12.7) |
| Asthma | 690 (19.2) |
| Unstable (ACQ⩾1.50) | 469 (68.2) |
| Total | 3,593 (31.5) |
| Quality lung function test | n (%) |
| Sufficient | 10,670 (93.6) |
| Insufficient | 730 (6.4) |
In 31.5% of the assessments, the pulmonologist advised the GP to refer their patient to secondary care mostly because of unclear diagnosis (54.7%). Most patients with unclear diagnosis (age, 51±19; age of onset, 39±23; 42% male) had no obstruction (FEV1/FVC⩾70%: 90%), no positive bronchodilator response (93%) and no allergy (76%). However, these patients were high in symptoms (CCQ⩾1: 68%).
Abbreviations: AC, asthma/COPD; ACQ, Asthma Control Questionnaire; CCQ, Clinical COPD Questionnaire; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; FEV1, forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC, forced vital capacity; GP, general practitioner.