General practitioners’ perceptions of COPD treatment: thematic analysis of qualitative interviews

Figures & data

Table 1 Interview guide

Themes	Examples of questions
GPs’ treatment of patients with COPD	Do you have a general treatment program for patients with COPD other than patients’ complaints?
Patients’ reason for contact	What are the needs of patients with COPD?
Patients’ disease management	What are the barriers for patients with COPD for following treatment recommendations?

Abbreviation: GPs, general practitioners.

Table 2 Informant characteristics

GP ID number	Sex	Experience (years)	Type of practice	Secretary	Nurse	Laboratory technician	Midwife	Resident	Medical student
1	Male	1	SS	No	Yes	No	No	No	No
2	Female	2	SS	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
3	Male	3	SS	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
4	Female	11	S	No	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
5	Male	11	SS	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No
6	Male	17	S	Yes	No	No	No	Yes	No
7	Male	24	M	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	Yes
8	Female	25	S	No	Yes	No	No	Yes	No

Abbreviations: GP, general practitioner; SS, semi-solo practice in collaboration with other GPs; S, solo practice; M, medical center.

Figure 1 Main themes and subthemes.

Abbreviation: GPs, general practitioners.

Figure 2 Vicious cycle in COPD treatment.

Abbreviation: GPs, general practitioners.

Figure 3 Dynamics of pulmonary rehabilitation referral.

Abbreviation: GPs, general practitioners.