Perceptions of systemic corticosteroids use globally for managing chronic respiratory disease in primary care

Research question: What are primary care prescribers' and community pharmacists' perceptions of the use of systemic corticosteroids for the management of asthma and COPD in primary care worldwide? Background: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are highly prevalent in the general population. Oral and injectable corticosteroids are commonly prescribed for these conditions in the primary care setting. However, there is a lack of data about the frequency and the characteristics of systemic corticosteroid prescription and dispensing for asthma and COPD globally. Additionally, there is a need to understand the perceptions and practices of primary care physicians (PCPs) and community pharmacists (CPs) regarding the purpose of systemic corticosteroid use for asthma and COPD patients in the primary care setting. Methodology: A cross-sectional, self-reported survey of primary care prescribers and community pharmacists will be sent electronically to IPCRG global mailing lists of practising PCPs and CPs requesting completion. Primary care prescribers with and without a respiratory interest, specialist physicians who works in primary care, and community pharmacists will be included. Descriptive analyses will include national data on current use and trends (if available) for asthma and COPD. An online questionnaire was developed based on tools used in previous studies and in consultation with a panel of experts, which included pulmonologists, PCPs, CPs and study investigators to assess professionals’ perceptions of systemic corticosteroids use globally. We expect heterogeneity in the perception of the use of corticosteroids between different countries, with a greater perception of risk among primary care prescribers with a respiratory interest. Questions to discuss: How can we use the results of the survey to develop training programmes on the right use of systemic corticosteroids in asthma and COPD management?