Results of the CAPPS: COPD--assessment of practice in primary care study.

AbstractObjective:Since many patients with COPD in the US are managed by primary care physicians, we evaluated adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines in a primary care setting.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted using a random sample of patients (n = 50–150 per site) aged 40–89 years with diagnosed COPD. Patients were identified for study inclusion (N = 1517) from 11 US primary care sites. Demographic and clinical information was extracted from primary care medical records via retrospective chart review. The main outcome measures were adherence to GOLD primary care guidelines, assessed via three components as follows: 1. Is there a current diagnostic spirometry test measurement available within the patient’s medical record during the prior calendar year? 2. Are comorbid conditions, if present, being treated appropriately? 3. Are adequate risk reduction measures being taken?Results:Mean patient age was 67.2 (SD ± 11.3) years, 54% were female, and...