[Are systematic consultation invitations and spirometry in general practice useful in the prevention of COPD among smokers?]

Abstract

Introduction: There is a need for valid tools to help people stop smoking. The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not systematic invitation of patients for a consultation and spirometry and the subsequent follow-up including the identified COPD patients in general practice is expedient in prevention of COPD among smokers.

Material and methods: The entire population of 40-50-year-old patients listed with ten general practitioners in Southern Jutland received a questionnaire and a letter in which smokers were invited to attend a consultation with their GP to have their lung function measured. Patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were offered renewed testing and guidance to quit smoking.

Results: A total of 2299 questionnaires were sent out, 299 smokers responded (11.3% of the total number of patients), and 185 of the respondents (71.4%) attended an initial consultation. Twelve patients were diagnosed with COPD and thus met the criteria for invitation to renewed testing, but only five accepted the invitation. None of the patients who accepted renewed testing changed their smoking habits.

Conclusion: Systematic invitations for consultation and spirometry in general practice as COPD prevention has proven to be difficult. Various models should be assessed before large scale interventions are implemented.