Impact of a pharmacy-led screening and intervention in people at risk of or living with chronic kidney disease in a primary care setting: a cluster randomised trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly recognised as a growing global public health problem. Early detection and management can significantly reduce the loss of kidney function. The proposed trial aims to evaluate the impact of a community pharmacy-led intervention combining CKD screening and medication review on CKD detection and quality use of medicines (QUM) for patients with CKD. We hypothesise that the proposed intervention will enhance detection of newly diagnosed CKD cases and reduce potentially inappropriate medications use by people at risk of or living with CKD. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a multicentre, pragmatic, two-level cluster randomised controlled trial which will be conducted across different regions in Australia. Clusters of community pharmacies from geographical groups of co-located postcodes will be randomised. The project will be conducted in 122 community pharmacies distributed across metropolitan and rural areas. The trial consists of two arms: (1) Control Group: a risk assessment using the QKidney CKD risk assessment tool, and (2) Intervention Group: a risk assessment using the QKidney CKD plus Point-of-Care Testing for kidney function markers (serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate), followed by a QUM service. The primary outcomes of the study are the proportion of patients newly diagnosed with CKD at the end of the study period (12 months); and rates of changes in the number of medications considered problematic in kidney disease (number of medications prescribed at inappropriate doses based on kidney function and/or number of nephrotoxic medications) over the same period. Secondary outcomes include proportion of people on potentially inappropriate medications, types of recommendations provided by the pharmacist (and acceptance rate by general practitioners), proportion of people who were screened, referred, and took up the referral to visit their general practitioners, and economic and other patient-centred outcomes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The trial protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Sydney (2022/044) and the findings of the study will be presented at scientific conferences and published in peer-reviewed journal(s). TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12622000329763).

Are chronic condition management visits translatable to telehealth? Analysis of in-person consultations in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth was rapidly adopted in primary care during COVID-19. However, there is a lack of research assessing how translatable in-person consultations are to telehealth. OBJECTIVE: To examine insights from in-person GP-Patient consultations for patients with chronic conditions, including 1/frequency, duration, conditions of physical examinations, and when they occur during consultations, 2/types of physical artefacts used, 3/clinical tasks performed, and 4/translatability of clinical tasks to telehealth. METHODS: Eligible consultations were extracted from a dataset archive named HaRI, which contains 281 in-person GP consultations in de-identified transcript and video format. 38 consultations were included for analysis meeting eligibility criteria in this study. A multi-method approach (using content analysis, visualisation, video and time analysis) was applied to eligible consultations, extracting clinical tasks that involve physical interactions. Finally, an evidence-based scoring system was used on each clinical task, determining the likelihood of whether each task could be translated into telehealth. RESULTS: Nine chronic conditions were observed across 38 GP-Patient consultations, predominately diabetes (39 %, 15/38). Out of these 38 consultations, 76 % (29/38) featured physical examinations, where 68 % (26/38) were initiated by GPs (e.g., auscultation), and 26 % (10/38) were initiated by patients (e.g., self-palpation). The average percentage of time spent on physical examination(s) during consultations is low (13.6 %, SD = 9.4 %). A total of 24 clinical tasks were observed across these 38 consultations. Out of these 24 tasks, 92 % (22/24) were supported by physical artefacts. The average score of a task being translatable to Telehealth is 7/10 (where Score 1 = Not amenable to being replicated over telehealth at this stage, scoring 10 = Easily translatable over telehealth with almost no additional equipment being required). CONCLUSION: All tasks observed across chronic condition management visits were deemed translatable/potentially translatable to telehealth. However, physical interactions between GPs and patients are still essential. Future research in telehealth should focus on examining ways to support physical examination, reduce uncertainty, promote safety netting, and facilitate patients' safety at home with effective technology and support.

Pattern of mental health attendances at a metropolitan university general practice clinic in Sydney before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of mental health attendances in a university-based general practice clinic during phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has created social and medical disruptions to the Australian community. There is a literature gap pertaining to the ongoing trends that extend beyond the initial 'first wave' of the pandemic in the context of the Australian landscape. METHOD: Retrospective data were obtained from 435 adults attending a community university-based general practice in Sydney, Australia, during four time periods: T1, before the COVID-19 pandemic (1 February - 7 March 2019); T2, during the first COVID-19 lockdown (31 March - 4 May 2020); T3, during the second COVID-19 lockdown (20 August - 23 September 2021); and T4, after the end of the COVID-19 lockdowns (1 February - 7 March 2022). Attendances were identified as mental health Medicare Benefits Schedule codes for face-to-face, televideo and telephone consultations. Patterns of attendances were evaluated using frequency analysis. RESULTS: There was a decline in mental health attendances compared to all attendances at the general practice from T1 (7.5%) to T2 (4.8%). During T4, mental health attendances returned to 7.1% of all consultations at the general practice. Face-to-face attendances decreased by 50% in T2 relative to T1, and this trend was maintained in T3 and T4, whereas the utilisation of telehealth approached that of face-to-face by T4. DISCUSSION: Post-pandemic policies that support the use of telehealth in general practice may help improve mental healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Determining the role and responsibilities of the community epilepsy nurse in the management of epilepsy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of the core elements and influencing factors on the community-based epilepsy nurse's role and responsibilities. BACKGROUND: Internationally, epilepsy nurse specialists play a key role in providing person-centred care and management of epilepsy but there is a gap in understanding of their role in the community. DESIGN: A national three-stage, mixed-method study was conducted. METHODS: One-on-one, in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted online with 12 community-based epilepsy nurses (Stage 1); retrospective analysis of data collected from the National Epilepsy Line, a nurse-led community helpline (Stage 2); and focus group conducted with four epilepsy nurses, to delve further into emerging findings (Stage 3). A thematic analysis was conducted in Stages 1 and 3, and a descriptive statistical analysis of Stage 2 data. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative studies checklist was followed for reporting. RESULTS: Three key themes emerged: (1) The epilepsy nurse career trajectory highlighted a lack of standardised qualifications, competencies, and career opportunities. (2) The key components of the epilepsy nurse role explored role diversity, responsibilities, and models of practice in the management of living with epilepsy, and experiences navigating complex fragmented systems and practices. (3) Shifting work practices detailed the adapting work practices, impacted by changing service demands, including COVID-19 pandemic experiences, role boundaries, funding, and resource availability. CONCLUSION: Community epilepsy nurses play a pivotal role in providing holistic, person-centred epilepsy management They contribute to identifying and addressing service gaps through innovating and implementing change in service design and delivery. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Epilepsy nurses' person-centred approach to epilepsy management is influenced by the limited investment in epilepsy-specific integrated care initiatives, and their perceived value is impacted by the lack of national standardisation of their role and scope of practice. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Only epilepsy nurses' perspectives were sought.

Visit Types in Primary Care With Telehealth Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth was rapidly incorporated into primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is limited evidence on which primary care visits used telehealth. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to assess what visit types in primary care with use of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic were reported; for each visit type identified in primary care, under what circumstances telehealth was suitable; and reported benefits and drawbacks of using telehealth in primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This study was a systematic review using narrative synthesis. Studies were obtained from four databases (Ovid [MEDLINE], CINAHL Complete, PDQ-Evidence, and ProQuest) and gray literature (NSW Health, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners guidelines, and World Health Organization guidelines). In total, 3 independent reviewers screened studies featuring telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care. Levels of evidence were assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. Critical appraisal was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Benefits and drawbacks of telehealth were assessed according to the National Quality Forum Telehealth Framework. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies, predominately cross-sectional surveys or interviews (13/19, 68%), were included. Seven primary care visit types were identified: chronic condition management (17/19, 89%), existing patients (17/19, 89%), medication management (17/19, 89%), new patients (16/19, 84%), mental health/behavioral management (15/19, 79%), post-test result follow-up (14/19, 74%), and postdischarge follow-up (7/19, 37%). Benefits and drawbacks of telehealth were reported across all visit types, with chronic condition management being one of the visits reporting the greatest use because of a pre-existing patient-provider relationship, established diagnosis, and lack of complex physical examinations. Both patients and clinicians reported benefits of telehealth, including improved convenience, focused discussions, and continuity of care despite social distancing. Reported drawbacks included technical barriers, impersonal interactions, and semi-established reimbursement models. CONCLUSIONS: Telehealth was used for different visit types during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care, with most visits for chronic condition management, existing patients, and medication management. Further research is required to validate our findings and explore the long-term impact of hybrid models of care for different visit types in primary care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022312202; https://tinyurl.com/5n82znf4.

How Patient Work Changes Over Time for People With Multimorbid Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Study.

BACKGROUND: The experiences of patients change throughout their illness trajectory and differ according to their medical history, but digital support tools are often designed for one specific moment in time and do not change with the patient as their health state changes. This presents a fragmented support pattern where patients have to move from one app to another as they move between health states, and some subpopulations of patients do not have their needs addressed at all. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate how patient work evolves over time for those living with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic multimorbidity, and explore the implications for digital support system design. METHODS: In total, 26 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic multimorbidity were recruited. Each interview was conducted twice, and interviews were transcribed and analyzed according to the Chronic Illness Trajectory Model. RESULTS: Four unique illness trajectories were identified with different patient work goals and needs: living with stable chronic conditions involves patients seeking to make patient work as routinized and invisible as possible; dealing with cycles of acute or crisis episodes included heavily multimorbid patients who sought support with therapy adherence; responding to unstable changes described patients currently experiencing rapid health changes and increasing patient work intensity; and coming back from crisis focused on patients coping with a loss of normalcy. CONCLUSIONS: Patient work changes over time based on the experiences of the individual, and its timing and trajectory need to be considered when designing digital support interventions. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022163.

Determining the role and responsibilities of the Australian epilepsy nurse in the management of epilepsy: a study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Epilepsy is a common neurological condition affecting between 3% and 3.5% of the Australian population at some point in their lifetime. The effective management of chronic and complex conditions such as epilepsy requires person-centred and coordinated care across sectors, from primary to tertiary healthcare. Internationally, epilepsy nurse specialists are frequently identified as playing a vital role in improving the integration of epilepsy care and enhancing patient self-management. This workforce has not been the focus of research in Australia to date. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multistage mixed-method study examines the role and responsibilities of epilepsy nurses, particularly in primary and community care settings, across Australia, including through the provision of a nurse helpline service. A nationwide sample of 30 epilepsy nurses will be purposively recruited via advertisements distributed by epilepsy organisations and through word-of-mouth snowball sampling. Two stages (1 and 3) consist of a demographic questionnaire and semistructured interviews (individual or group) with epilepsy nurse participants, with the thematic data analysis from this work informing the areas for focus in stage 3. Stage 2 comprises of a retrospective descriptive analysis of phone call data from Epilepsy Action Australia's National Epilepsy Line service to identify types of users, their needs and reasons for using the service, and to characterise the range of activities undertaken by the nurse call takers. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval for this study was granted by Macquarie University (HREC: 52020668117612). Findings of the study will be published through peer-reviewed journal articles and summary reports to key stakeholders, and disseminated through public forums and academic conference presentations. Study findings will also be communicated to people living with epilepsy and families.

Identification and referral of patients with refractory epilepsy from the primary to the tertiary care interface in New South Wales, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: This mixed-method feasibility study conducted in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, aimed to explore clinical practices around the identification of patients with refractory epilepsy and referral from primary care to Tertiary Epilepsy Centers. The perceptions of general practitioners, neurologists, and adults living with refractory epilepsy were considered. METHODS: Fifty-two data collection events were achieved through 22 semi-structured interviews with six neurologists and 12 adults who currently have, or have had refractory epilepsy, and four family members, 10 clinical observations of patient consultations and 20 surveys with general practitioners. A thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data alongside assessment of observational fieldnotes and survey data. FINDINGS: Two main themes emerged: 1) Patient healthcare pathways and care experiences highlighted the complex and deeply contextualized experiences of both patients and healthcare professionals, from first identification of people's seizures, in primary and community care settings, to referral to Tertiary Epilepsy Centers, shedding light on a fragmented, nonstandardized referral process, influenced by both individual and shared-care practices. 2) Factors impacting referrals and patient pathways indicated that onward referral to a Tertiary Epilepsy Center is affected by the knowledge, or the lack thereof, of healthcare professionals regarding treatment options. Barriers include limited person-centered care, shared decision-making, and refractory epilepsy education for healthcare professionals, which can delay patients' disease identification and can hinder speedy referral pathways and processes, in Australia for up to 17 years. In addition, person-centered communication around care pathways is affected by relationships between clinicians, patients, and family members. CONCLUSION: This study has identified a noticeable lack of standardized care across epilepsy-related healthcare sectors, which recognizes a need for developing and implementing clearer epilepsy-related guidelines and Continuing Professional Development in the primary and community care settings. This, however, requires greater collaboration and commitment in the primary, community, and tertiary care sectors to address the ongoing misconceptions around professional roles and responsibilities to optimize shared-care practices. Ultimately, prioritizing person-centered care on both patients' and professionals' agendas, in order to improve satisfaction with care experiences of people living with complex epilepsy.

Context-Aware Systems for Chronic Disease Patients: Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Context-aware systems, also known as context-sensitive systems, are computing applications designed to capture, interpret, and use contextual information and provide adaptive services according to the current context of use. Context-aware systems have the potential to support patients with chronic conditions; however, little is known about how such systems have been utilized to facilitate patient work. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to characterize the different tasks and contexts in which context-aware systems for patient work were used as well as to assess any existing evidence about the impact of such systems on health-related process or outcome measures. METHODS: A total of 6 databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ACM Digital, Web of Science, and Scopus) were scanned using a predefined search strategy. Studies were included in the review if they focused on patients with chronic conditions, involved the use of a context-aware system to support patients' health-related activities, and reported the evaluation of the systems by the users. Studies were screened by independent reviewers, and a narrative synthesis of included studies was conducted. RESULTS: The database search retrieved 1478 citations; 6 papers were included, all published from 2009 onwards. The majority of the papers were quasi-experimental and involved pilot and usability testing with a small number of users; there were no randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of a context-aware system. In the included studies, context was captured using sensors or self-reports, sometimes involving both. Most studies used a combination of sensor technology and mobile apps to deliver personalized feedback. A total of 3 studies examined the impact of interventions on health-related measures, showing positive results. CONCLUSIONS: The use of context-aware systems to support patient work is an emerging area of research. RCTs are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of context-aware systems in improving patient work, self-management practices, and health outcomes in chronic disease patients.

Promoting faster pathways to surgery: a clinical audit of patients with refractory epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with epilepsy who cannot be adequately controlled with anti-epileptic drugs, refractory epilepsy, may be suitable for surgical treatment following detailed assessment. This is a complex process and there are concerns over delays in referring refractory epilepsy patients for surgery and subsequent treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the different patient pathways, referral and surgical timeframes, and surgical and medical treatment options for refractory epilepsy patients referred to two Tertiary Epilepsy Clinics in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS: Clinical records were reviewed for 50 patients attending the two clinics, in two large teaching hospitals (25 in Clinic 1; 25 in Clinic 2. A purpose-designed audit tool collected detailed aspects of outpatient consultations and treatment. Patients with refractory epilepsy with their first appointment in 2014 were reviewed for up to six visits until the end of 2016. Data collection included: patient demographics, type of epilepsy, drug management, and assessment for surgery. Outcomes included: decisions regarding surgical and/or medical management, and seizure status following surgery. Patient-reported outcome measures to assess anxiety and depression were collected in Clinic 1 only. RESULTS: Patient mean age was 38.3 years (SD 13.4), the mean years since diagnosis was 17.3 years (SD 9.8), and 88.0% of patients had a main diagnosis of focal epilepsy. Patients were taking an average of 2.3 (SD 0.9) anti-epileptic drugs at the first clinic visit. A total of 17 (34.0%) patients were referred to the surgical team and 11 (22.0%) underwent a neuro-surgical procedure. The average waiting time between visit 1 to surgical referral was 38.8 weeks (SD 25.1), and between visit 1 and the first post-operative visit was 55.8 weeks (SD 25.0). CONCLUSION: The findings confirm international data showing significant waiting times between diagnosis of epilepsy and referral to specialist clinics for surgical assessment and highlight different approaches in each clinic in terms of visit numbers and recorded activities. A standardised pathway and data collection, including patient-reported outcome measures, would provide better evidence for whether promoting earlier referral and assessment for surgery improves the lives of this disease group.

Patient work from a context and time use perspective: a mixed-methods study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Self-management is widely promoted but less attention is focused on the work required from patients. To date, many individuals struggle to practise self-management. 'Patient work', a concept that examines the 'work' involved in self-management, is an approach to understanding the tasks, effort, time and context from patient perspective. The purpose of our study is to use a novel approach combining non-obstructive observations via digital devices with in-depth qualitative data about health behaviours and motivations, to capture the full range of patient work experienced by people with type 2 diabetes and chronic comorbidities. It aims to yield comprehensive insights about 'what works' in self-management, potentially extending to populations with other chronic health conditions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This mixed-methods observational study involves a (1) prestudy interview and questionnaires, (2) a 24-hour period during which participants wear a camera and complete a time-use diary, and a (3) poststudy interview and study feedback. Adult participants living with type 2 diabetes with at least one chronic comorbidity will be recruited using purposive sampling to obtain a balanced gender ratio and of participants using insulin and those using only oral medication. Interviews will be analysed using thematic analysis. Data captured by digital devices, diaries and questionnaires will be used to analyse the duration, time, context and patterns of health-related behaviours. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee for Medical Sciences (reference number 5201700718). Participants will carry a wallet-sized card that explains the purpose of the study to third parties, and can remove the camera at any stage. Before the poststudy interview begins, participants will view the camera images in private and can delete any images. Should any images be used in future publications or presentations, identifying features such as human faces and names will be obscured.

Leading up to saying "yes": A qualitative study on the experience of patients with refractory epilepsy regarding presurgical investigation for resective surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Adult patients with refractory epilepsy who are potential candidates for resective surgery undergo a period of presurgical investigation in tertiary epilepsy centers (TECs), where they engage extensively with healthcare professionals and receive a range of treatment-related information. This qualitative study aimed to examine the experiences of adult patients with refractory epilepsy leading up to and during presurgical investigation and how their perceptions of resective surgery are shaped. METHODS: In-depth interviews with 12 patients and six epilepsy specialist clinicians and 12 observations of routine patient-clinician consultations took place at two TECs in Sydney, Australia. Data were thematically analyzed via group work. RESULTS: Patients reflected on prior experiences of poor seizure control and inadequate antiepileptic drug management and a lack of clarity about their condition before referral to tertiary care. Poor continuity of care and disrupted care transitions affected patients from regional locations. Tertiary referral increased engagement with personalized information about refractory epilepsy, which intensified during presurgical assessments with additional hospital visits and consultations. Experiential information, such as testimonials of other patients, influenced perceptions of surgery and fostered more trust and confidence towards healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: Qualitative inquiry detailed multifaceted effects of information on patients' overall treatment trajectory and experience of healthcare. Earlier patient identification for surgical assessments should be accompanied by access to good quality information at primary and community care levels and strengthened referral processes.

Examining health service utilization, hospital treatment cost, and mortality of individuals with epilepsy and status epilepticus in New South Wales, Australia 2012-2016.

This study examined the health service utilization and hospital treatment cost of individuals with epilepsy by age group, mortality within 30days, and surgical outcomes for individuals with refractory epilepsy in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. A retrospective examination of linked hospitalization and mortality data for individuals hospitalized with a diagnosis of epilepsy during 2012-2016. Hospitalized incidence rates per 1000 population were calculated, and negative binomial regression was used to examine temporal trends. Mortality within 30days of hospitalization was identified, along with cause of death. There were 44,722 hospitalizations during the five-year period, with a hospitalization rate of 85.6 per 1000 population (95% confidence interval (CI): 84.7-86.4). Total hospital treatment costs were AUD$402.9 million. Children aged ≤17years accounted for 32.0% of hospitalizations. Just over half to two-thirds of hospitalizations for each age group were for a principal diagnosis of epilepsy, with 2976 hospitalizations of individuals for status epilepticus. The overall mean hospital length of stay (LOS) for epilepsy hospitalizations was 5.1days (standard deviation (SD)=9.0). Thirty-day mortality was highest for individuals aged ≥65years (6.7%), and epilepsy was identified as the underlying cause of death for 18.2% of deaths. This research has provided insight into the healthcare utilization profiles of individuals with epilepsy at different ages. Epilepsy hospitalizations constitute a substantial cost to the healthcare system, and better overall management of seizures and comorbid conditions is likely to lead to a reduction in the need for hospitalization.

Better evidence for earlier assessment and surgical intervention for refractory epilepsy (The BEST study): a mixed methods study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: One-third of patients with refractory epilepsy may be candidates for resective surgery, which can lead to positive clinical outcomes if efficiently managed. In Australia, there is currently between a 6-month and 2-year delay for patients who are candidates for respective epilepsy surgery from the point of referral for surgical assessment to the eventual surgical intervention. This is a major challenge for implementation of effective treatment for individuals who could potentially benefit from surgery. This study examines implications of delays following the point of eligibility for surgery, in the assessment and treatment of patients, and the factors causing treatment delays. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Mixed methods design: Observations of qualitative consultations, patient and healthcare professional interviews, and health-related quality of life assessments for a group of 10 patients and six healthcare professionals (group 1); quantitative retrospective medical records' reviews examining longitudinal outcomes for 50 patients assessed for, or undergoing, resective surgery between 2014 and 2016 (group 2); retrospective epidemiological study of all individuals hospitalised with a diagnosis of epilepsy in New South Wales (NSW) in the last 5 years (2012-2016; approximately 11 000 hospitalisations per year, total 55 000), examining health services' use and treatment for individuals with epilepsy, including refractory surgery outcomes (group 3). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the North Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/17/HAWKE/22) and the NSW Population & Health Services Research Ethics Committee (HREC/16/CIPHS/1). Results will be disseminated through publications, reports and conference presentations to patients and families, health professionals and researchers.

Barriers and outcomes of an evidence-based approach to diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Australia: a qualitative study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly managed in primary care but there is poor awareness of evidence-based guidelines and the quality and interpretation of spirometry is suboptimal. Objectives: The aims of this qualitative study were to explore how an intervention involving case finding and management of COPD was implemented, and the extent to which the GPs and practice nurses (PNs) worked in partnership to diagnose and manage COPD. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with PNs (n = 7), GPs (n = 4) and patients (n = 26) who had participated in the Primary care EarLy Intervention for Copd mANagement (PELICAN) study. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to guide the coding and analysis of the interviews with PN and GPs. The patient interviews were analysed thematically. Results: PNs developed technical skills and understood the requirements for good-quality spirometry. However, many lacked confidence in its interpretation and felt this was not part of their professional role. This was reflected in responses from the GPs. Once COPD was diagnosed, the GPs tended to manage the patients with the PNs less involved. This was in contrast with PNs' active role in managing patients with other chronic diseases such as diabetes. The extent to which the GPs and PNs worked in partnership to manage COPD varied. Conclusions: PNs improved their skills and confidence in performing spirometry. Beliefs about their professional role, identity and confidence influenced the extent to which PNs were involved in interpretation of the spirometry results and managing the patient in partnership with the GP.