Diagnosis

Primary care health professionals are usually the first point of contact for patients with respiratory problems. Patients can present a wide range of initial symptoms, and respiratory diagnosis is a complex process that will not be achieved within a single 10 minute consultation.

How diagnosis is made and communicated is very important, as it has an impact on how patients feel about their condition. This in turn will influence their ability to self-manage. For example, if a patient does not accept their diagnosis they are more likely not to adhere to treatment. It requires an on-going dialogue between clinician and patients.

IPCRG works with clinicians and researchers to develop user-friendly resources for primary care clinicians for every day practice and provide materials for use in primary care education to support accurate diagmosis.  We also identify priorities where further research is needed and work with partners to take these forward.