Volume 19 Issue 1 March 2010Original Research
Diagnosing asthma in adults in primary care: a qualitative
study of Australian GPs’ experiences
Pages 52-56
*Sarah M Dennisa, Nicholas A Zwarb, Guy B Marksc,d
a
Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
b
Professor of General Practice, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales
c
Research Leader, Epidemiology Group, Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney
d
Consultant Physician, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney
Received 18 October 2008 • Accepted 20 May 2009 • Online 21 July 2009
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.
Keywords
Asthma, diagnosis, primary health care, focus group
* Corresponding author. Sarah M Dennis Tel: +61 2 9616 8520 Fax: +61 2 9616 8400 Email: s.dennis@unsw.edu.au | |
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