Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
09:58
A Reversible, Non-invasive Method for Airway Resistance Measurements and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Sampling in Mice
Published on: April 13, 2010
Identifying asthmatic patients in the community: a new method
S J Ross1, N A Drummond, J A Friend
1Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Summary
Identifying community-based asthma patients for research is challenging. A novel method using National Health Service drug prescription forms proved effective and cost-efficient for sampling adult asthma patients in general practice.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- General Practice
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Identifying community-based patient samples for research is historically difficult.
- Changes in adult asthma management in specialist clinics necessitated evaluating their impact on patients managed solely in general practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and assess a reliable method for randomly sampling adult asthma patients treated exclusively in general practice.
- To compare patient management before and after changes in specialist clinic referrals.
Main Methods:
- A novel sampling method utilizing National Health Service (NHS) drug prescription forms was developed to identify adult asthma patients in the community.
- Two random samples were identified: one in 1989 and a follow-up sample in 1991 after computerization of the Pharmacy Practice Division.
- High participation rates were achieved, with 86% of eligible general practitioners (GPs) in the first sample and 96% in the second.
Main Results:
- The NHS drug prescription form method successfully identified adult asthma patients within the community setting.
- Both sampling methods implemented in 1989 and 1991 proved effective for community-based asthma patient identification.
- Computerization of the Pharmacy Practice Division simplified the sampling process, reducing time and cost.
Conclusions:
- The NHS drug prescription form method offers an effective and less biased approach to sampling community-based asthma patients.
- Computerization significantly enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of patient sampling for health services research.
- This methodology provides a valuable tool for epidemiological studies and evaluating healthcare interventions in primary care settings.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
First, in...
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...