Occupational History Quality in Patients With Newly Documented, Clinician-Diagnosed Chronic Bronchitis

Promoting integrated approaches to reducing health inequities among low‐income workers: Applying a social ecological framework

“…Among C/MHC clinicians surveyed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, only one-third reported having adequate training to help patients with injuries or illnesses caused by their jobs, and only 10% thought they had adequate educational or resource materials to offer patients who might be exposed to hazards on the job (personal communication: Letitia Davis). A review of chart notes for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary care practices found that, while 90% of the time the provider documented the individual's occupation, and most patients reported a history of occupational exposures to respirable hazards, a recommendation to avoid exposure was made in only 10% of the cases [Kuschner et al, 2009]. A similar chart review among patients with newly diagnosed asthma found that job title was documented in 75% of cases, but exposure data were collected less frequently and clinical action to address occupational asthma was taken in only one case [Shofer et al, 2006].…”

Chronic bronchitis in relation to hospitalization and mortality over three decades

“…The major risk factor for chronic bronchitis, characterized by chronic mucus production from airways, is cigarette smoking [1,2]. Exposure to airborne particles may also contribute to the development of chronic bronchitis [3,4]. Chronic bronchitis itself has been associated with an accelerated decline in lung function and the development of airway obstruction [5,6], an increased risk for respiratory infection [7], increased medical costs [8] and increased respiratory, cardiovascular and all-cause mortality [5,9,10].…”

Twenty-five year trends in prevalence of chronic bronchitis and the trends in relation to smoking

“…Exposures to occupational airborne particles as well as ageing may also contribute to chronic bronchitis [2,3]. Chronic bronchitis, in turn, has been associated with an accelerated decline in FEV 1 [4,5], with lower life quality [6], increased medical costs [7] and finally with increased respiratory, cardiovascular and all cause mortality [4,8e11].…”