Canadian respiratory journal : journal of the Canadian Thoracic Society
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Comparative Study
Practice patterns in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary practice: the CAGE study.
The information on usual care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care is limited in Canada. ⋯ Substantial gaps between recommended and current care exist in the management of COPD patients in primary care practice. Undertreatment of patients with severe COPD has potential clinical implications, including loss of autonomy and hospitalization.
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Acute asthma is a common emergency department (ED) presentation and variation in its management is well recognized. The present study examined the use of an asthma care map (ACM) in one Canadian ED to improve adherence to acute asthma guidelines, emphasizing the use of systemic corticosteroids (SCSs) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs). ⋯ The present study provides evidence that the standardized ED ACM was widely accepted, improved chart documentation, improved some aspects of ED care and increased prescribing of discharge preventive medications.