Pragmatic 'real world' study of the effect of audit of asthma on clinical outcome

Neville, R.G., Hoskins, G., Mccowan, C. and Smith, B. (2004) Pragmatic 'real world' study of the effect of audit of asthma on clinical outcome. Primary Care Respiratory Journal, 13(4), pp. 198-204. (doi: 10.1016/j.pcrj.2004.06.007)

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Abstract

AIMS: To test whether participation in clinical audit is associated with improved care of a long-term health condition. METHODS: Real world study comparing 1339 patients of all ages and severity of asthma managed by 77 self-selected highly motivated general practices in Scotland with 9617 patients from 319 practices from a national sample. RESULTS: Patients managed by audit practices had more structured clinical reviews by nurses [817 (61%) versus 4301 (45%) OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.46?0.58] and less acute GP contacts [440 (33%) v 4161 (43%) OR 1.56, CI 1.38?1.56]. Consequently they experienced more checking of inhaler technique, use of peak flow meters and self- management plans. Audit patients had more symptom free days [365 (42%) v 2216 (23%) OR 0.80, CI 0.70.0.91], and fewer asthma attacks [217 (16%) v 1938 (20%) OR 1.30, CI 1.12.1.53]. They made less use of hospital services including A&E [30 (2%) v 326 (3%) OR 1.53, CI 1.03,2.28] and outpatients [42 (3%) v 459 (5%) OR 1.55, CI 1.11.2.16]. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with asthma benefit from being managed by a practice involved in a programme of audit.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mccowan, Professor Colin
Authors: Neville, R.G., Hoskins, G., Mccowan, C., and Smith, B.
Subjects:R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Robertson Centre
Journal Name:Primary Care Respiratory Journal
ISSN:1471-4418

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