TY - JOUR T1 - Awareness of COPD in Portugal general practitioners, follow up 2010 JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 38 IS - Suppl 55 SP - p4149 AU - Cristina Bárbara AU - João Cardoso AU - Paula Pamplona AU - Joaquim Moita AU - Maria João Matos AU - Paula Simão AU - Sara Conde AU - Graça Coutinho Y1 - 2011/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p4149.abstract N2 - In order to evaluate the impact of GOLD Project in Portugal we conducted a survey on COPD awareness in General Practitioners (GPs). We aimed to know the level of disease knowledge and the privileged sources of information. The study was conducted in two waves the first one in 2006, the second one, similar in 2010. We conducted face-to-face interviews to 375, randomly selected GPs.Results: COPD was the main disease associated with cigarette smoking 76% vs 81% in 2006, followed by Lung Cancer 59% and Chronic Bronchitis 45%.Cardiovascular Disease (CV) went from third to fourth place in 2010. GPs referred to COPD as the 2nd cause of mortality in Portugal just overtaken by CV (in 2006 COPD was considered the third cause of mortality after CV and Diabetes). The perception that the prevalence of the disease is increasing remains strong (65% vs 87% in 2006) and that “stabilized” has increased (26% vs 9% in 2006). COPD was considered an inflammatory airway disease with not fully reversible airflow limitation (more than in 2006). Similarly to 2006, spirometry was the main diagnostic method (93%). The most relevant characteristic for diagnosis was the spirometric obstructive pattern. There remains some confusion regarding the diagnostic relevance of restrictive pattern but to less extent than in 2006. COPD sessions were attended by 41% GPs, no difference vs 2006. 68% of the GPs were aware of GOLD Project, an increase in 10% vs 2006. Sources for obtaining information were similar: published studies (47%), conferences (52%) and technical books (32%).Conclusion: The results indicate a trend of growing knowledge about COPD and GOLD project in Portuguese GPs. Supported with a grant from ALTANA Portugal-Nycomed Group. ER -