Canadian family physician Médecin de famille canadien
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To determine the extent of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) hospitalization in easily identifiable high-risk subgroups within a typical primary care practice. ⋯ Most AECOPD hospitalizations occur in patients with previous such admissions. When time and resources are limited, COPD initiatives targeting primary care practices should focus more on the 2 to 3 patients with prior AECOPD hospitalization or more symptomatic disease, and less on the low-risk majority.
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To determine the proportions of patients who receive care from family physicians, specialists, and nurse practitioners for the management of common chronic medical conditions. ⋯ Family physicians were involved in the care of most patients with any of 7 chronic medical conditions included in this study and were the sole providers of care for the majority of patients with hypertension, diabetes, COPD, and asthma. Guideline working group representation and the setting of clinical trials should reflect this reality.