Asthma diagnosis in school-age children: a survey among Swiss physicians

Many primary care pediatricians in Switzerland lack access to essential asthma diagnostic tests, which may hinder effective diagnosis and management.

Summary and findings

This study evaluated asthma diagnostic practices among Swiss physicians, particularly focusing on access to first-line tests such as spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Of 1,055 respondents, 625 diagnosed asthma in children, revealing significant access issues among primary care pediatricians. The study highlights barriers to testing and referral practices.

Abstract

<h4>ABSTRACT</h4> <h4>Background</h4> Clinical guidelines recommend objective tests to diagnose asthma in school-age children, but their availability and use in routine practice remain uncertain. We evaluated asthma diagnostic practices in Switzerland, focusing on first-line tests (spirometry, bronchodilator reversibility testing, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide [FeNO]). <h4>Methods</h4> Cross-sectional, nationwide online survey of primary care paediatricians (PCPs) and respiratory specialists. We assessed access to and use of diagnostic tests, focusing on first-line tests, and examined reasons for non-use, referral practices, and guideline consultation. We used multivariable logistic regression to identified factors associated with spirometry access among PCPs. <h4>Results</h4> Of 1,055 respondents, 625 diagnosed asthma in children, including 419 PCPs. Among PCPs, 50% (95% confidence interval [CI] 45–55) reported no access to spirometry and 95% (95% CI 92–97) no access to FeNO, whereas all paediatric respiratory specialists and almost all adult respiratory specialists had access to both tests. Barriers to first-line testing among PCPs included economic constraints and difficulties interpreting test results. Spirometry access was lower in French– and Italian-speaking regions than in German-speaking regions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.09, 95% CI 0.05–0.15), but higher among PCPs working full-time (aOR 2.04, 95% CI 1.11–3.82) and those using Swiss asthma guidelines (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.01– 2.92). PCPs without spirometry access more frequently referred children to specialists for diagnostic confirmation (89% versus 80%; p=0.019). <h4>Conclusion</h4> Many PCPs in Switzerland lack access to guideline-recommended tests. Improving access, reimbursement, and training in test interpretation may help reduce the gap between guidelines and clinical practice.

Limitations

Not reported in abstract.

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