Danish general practitioners’ management of patients with COPD: a nationwide survey

BACKGROUND: In Denmark, general practitioners (GPs) have the main responsibility for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. Internationally, COPD appears to be significantly under-treated, which could be explained by ‘therapeutic nihilism’ or lack of knowledge. AIM: To investigate: (1) To what extent COPD management provided by GPs includes the core elements of pharmacological treatment, smoking cessation and physical activity, and (2) To what extent GPs need educational support and consulting with a specialist in pulmonary medicine. DESIGN: A national cross-sectional web-based survey conducted in April–June 2019. The survey included items on COPD management and educational support needs. SETTING: Danish general practice. SUBJECTS: A population of approximately 3400 GPs (all GPs in Denmark). RESULTS: We received response from 470 GPs (14% response rate). Overall, the respondents reported that they offered COPD management including all relevant treatment elements. Smoking cessation was supported in 58% and physical activity was supported in 23% of the respondents. Future consultations on smoking cessation were planned by 35% and physical activity by 15% respondents. GPs responded to ‘needing educational support in COPD management’ to a ‘high degree’ in 8% and to ‘some degree’ in 43%. CONCLUSION: KEY POINTS: In Denmark, general practitioners (GPs) have the main responsibility for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The present study shows that non-pharmacological interventions such as supporting smoking cessation and particularly promoting physical activity received less attention than pharmacological treatment. The study suggests a need for educational support of the GPs in COPD management.