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No gender-related bias in COPD diagnosis and treatment in Sweden : a randomised, controlled, case-based trial

Akbarshahi, Hamid LU ; Ahmadi, Zainab LU ; Currow, David C ; Sandberg, Jacob LU orcid ; Vandersman, Zac ; Shanon-Honson, Aaron and Ekström, Magnus LU orcid (2020) In ERJ Open Research 6(4).
Abstract

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... (More)

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.

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author
; ; ; ; ; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to journal
publication status
published
subject
in
ERJ Open Research
volume
6
issue
4
publisher
European Respiratory Society
external identifiers
  • pmid:33263044
  • scopus:85111562570
ISSN
2312-0541
DOI
10.1183/23120541.00342-2020
language
English
LU publication?
yes
additional info
Copyright ©ERS 2020.
id
169616b7-f7e9-4e61-b64d-217236cad10a
date added to LUP
2021-01-15 15:02:58
date last changed
2024-04-17 08:28:51
@article{169616b7-f7e9-4e61-b64d-217236cad10a,
  abstract     = {{<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>Conclusion: In Sweden, diagnosis and management of a hypothetical patient with COPD did not differ by the gender of the patient or physician.</p>}},
  author       = {{Akbarshahi, Hamid and Ahmadi, Zainab and Currow, David C and Sandberg, Jacob and Vandersman, Zac and Shanon-Honson, Aaron and Ekström, Magnus}},
  issn         = {{2312-0541}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  number       = {{4}},
  publisher    = {{European Respiratory Society}},
  series       = {{ERJ Open Research}},
  title        = {{No gender-related bias in COPD diagnosis and treatment in Sweden : a randomised, controlled, case-based trial}},
  url          = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1183/23120541.00342-2020}},
  doi          = {{10.1183/23120541.00342-2020}},
  volume       = {{6}},
  year         = {{2020}},
}