Table 1

Patient chart review and survey results

Chart review
(n=97)
Patient survey
(n=70)
Age65.5±1669.8±8.1
Sex, male (n, %)54 (56)35 (50)
Diagnosis (n, %)
IPF
CTD-ILD
HP
Occupational
Other
34 (35)
21 (22)
10 (10)
3 (3)
14 (14)
49 (70)
0
9 (13)
0
7 (10)
Symptoms at disease onset (n, %)
Dyspnoea
Cough
Fatigue
Other
*Asymptomatic
74 (76)
61 (63)
24 (25)
0
10 (10)
53 (76)
36 (51)
22 (31)
0
0
Patient survey responses
Patient-provided reasons for delaying presentation to GPAttributed symptoms to ageing (25%)
Attributed symptoms to weight (21%)
Not concerned (21%)
Afraid of what doctor may diagnose (7%)
Attributed symptoms to comorbidities (7%)
Patient-perceived challenges to timely ILD diagnosisGP did not recognise problems early (51%)
Misdiagnosed (20%)
Long or delayed referral for specialist (36%)
Delayed going to GP (16%)
Concerns were not taken seriously (9%)
Travel/access issues (6%)
CT delays (6%)
No delays (21%)
  • CTD-ILD, connective tissues disease interstitial lung disease; GP, general practitioner; HP, hypersensitivity pneumonitis; IPF, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.