RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Skilled manpower assistance for management of chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs): Does India really need it?
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP PA1246
DO 10.1183/13993003.congress-2015.PA1246
VO 46
IS suppl 59
A1 Madhuragauri Shevade
A1 Komalkirti Apte
A1 Somnath Bondarde
A1 Sapna Madas
A1 Sundeep Salvi
A1 Baishakhi Ghosh
YR 2015
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/PA1246.abstract
AB Background: India has a high burden of CRDs. Physicians in practice see a large number of patients daily for whom they can give little time. In this pilot study we aimed to identify the need and utility of additional skilled healthcare resource assistance for the proper management of CRD in India.Method: 1784 General Practitioners (GPs), Pulmonologists (Ps), Intensivists (Is) and Pediatricians (Peds) from our database were invited via email to participate in this observational study from across India. The study questionnaire consisted of doctor demographics, burden of CRD, time spent on each patient and questions assessing the need and utility of additional skilled assistance. 84 doctors consented and completed the study questionnaire. Simple descriptive analysis was performed.Results: Conclusion: A heavy workload of CRD patients and insufficient time and manpower necessitates a second tier of skilled healthcare providers to bridge this gap. There is a need to develop chronic respiratory disease managers in India who can contribute significantly to improving quality of patient care.