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Targeting asthma care in general practice using a morbidity index.
K P Jones1, I H Charlton, M Middleton
1Primary Medical Care Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|May 23, 1992
Summary
A postal survey identified high-morbidity asthma patients needing more support. The study also found inaccuracies in the computerized asthma register, highlighting areas for improved asthma management and data accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- General Practice
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma management requires accurate patient identification and targeted interventions.
- Postal surveillance offers a potential method for assessing patient morbidity and needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess a morbidity index as a postal tool for identifying asthma patients needing enhanced education or management.
- To evaluate the accuracy of a computerized asthma register in primary care settings.
Main Methods:
- A postal questionnaire survey was distributed to 853 asthma patients identified via a computerized register in an urban general practice.
- The questionnaire included questions on morbidity, current asthma status, and treatments.
- Morbidity levels were categorized as low, medium, and high, and analyzed against patient demographics and treatment regimens.
Main Results:
- A 73% response rate was achieved, with 593 patients analyzed.
- 35% of respondents fell into the high morbidity category.
- Patients on bronchodilators alone or inhaled corticosteroids showed higher morbidity rates.
- The asthma disease register accuracy was determined to be 91%.
Conclusions:
- The morbidity index effectively identified subgroups of asthma patients requiring additional support and management.
- The study revealed misclassifications within the asthma disease register, indicating a need for data validation.