Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care: a questionnaire survey in western Sweden.

Aim: To assess the primary care management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in relation to COPD guidelines.

Method: A postal questionnaire was sent out to all Primary Health Care Centres (PHCCs) in western Sweden (n=232). The response rate was 75%.

Results: A majority of the PHCCs had a nurse and physician responsible for COPD care. They used spirometry equipment regularly, but only 50% reported that they calibrated it at least weekly. Less than 30% of the PHCCs reported access to a dietician, occupational therapist or physiotherapist. There was a structured smoking cessation program in 50% of the PHCCs. Larger PHCCs were more likely to use spirometry equipment regularly and to have specific personnel for COPD care.

Conclusion: There is a need to establish structured programs for COPD care including smoking cessation programs for COPD patients with special trained staff. Larger PHCCs have a better infrastructure for providing guideline-defined COPD care.