RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 No gender-related bias in COPD diagnosis and treatment in Sweden: a randomised, controlled, case-based trial
JF ERJ Open Research
JO erjor
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 00342-2020
DO 10.1183/23120541.00342-2020
VO 6
IS 4
A1 Hamid Akbarshahi
A1 Zainab Ahmadi
A1 David C. Currow
A1 Jacob Sandberg
A1 Zac Vandersman
A1 Aaron Shanon-Honson
A1 Magnus Ekström
YR 2020
UL http://openres.ersjournals.com/content/6/4/00342-2020.abstract
AB Introduction COPD is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The prevalence, morbidity and mortality of COPD among females have increased. Previous studies indicate a possible gender bias in the diagnosis and management of COPD. The present study aims to determine if there is gender bias in the management of COPD in Sweden.Methods This was a double-blind, randomised (1:1), controlled, parallel-group, web-based trial using the hypothetical case scenario of a former smoker (40 pack-years and quit smoking 3 years ago) who was male or female. The participants were blind to the randomisation and the purpose of the trial. The case progressively revealed more information with associated questions on how the physician would manage the patient. Study participants chose from a list of tests and treatments at each step of the case scenario.Results In total, 134 physicians were randomised to a male (n=62) or a female (n=72) case. There was no difference in initial diagnosis (61 (98%) male cases and 70 (97%) female cases diagnosed with COPD) and planned diagnostic procedures between the male and female cases. Spirometry was chosen by all the physicians as one of the requested diagnostic tests. The management of the hypothetical COPD case did not differ by sex of the responding physician.Conclusion In Sweden, diagnosis and management of a hypothetical patient with COPD did not differ by the gender of the patient or physician.No gender-related bias in COPD management https://bit.ly/3gTsWoG