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Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the approaches of Turkish pulmonologists to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in daily clinical practice.
Material and methods: A questionnaire containing 38 questions about IPF diagnosis and treatment was applied to pulmonologists between 22-29 January 2018 and data of 158 physicians who responded to the questionnaire were evaluated.
Results: Results of this survey showed that mean number of patients that physicians follow-up and managed annually was 8.3 and 5 respectively. The mean symptom duration of the patients before the diagnosis was 9-12 months. Patients have been seen by average three physicians prior to confirmed diagnosis. Almost 80% of the physicians have opportunity to access a pathologist and radiologist who are specialized in IPF. However only 26% of them have opportunity to access regular multidisciplinary meetings. Although the most commonly prescribed drugs were antifibrotics, approximately 10% of patients were prescribed steroids, N-acetylcysteine and immunosuppressive drugs. Most of the physicians (81%) were aware of international guidelines however Turkish Thoracic Society Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Diagnosis and Treatment Consensus Report was read by only 41% of them.
Conclusion: This survey may lead to IPF awareness in Turkey, and may help closing the gaps on diagnosis and treatment.
Cite this article as: Türktaş H, Okumuş G, Uzun O, et al. Survey of Physician’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Turkey. Turk Thorac J 2020; 21(1): 44-8.