Background In diagnostic studies, a single and error-free test that can be used as the
reference (gold) standard often does not exist. One solution is the use of panel diagnosis, ie, a …

Objectives To quantify the diagnostic accuracy of selected inflammatory markers in addition
to symptoms and signs for predicting pneumonia and to derive a diagnostic tool. Design …

Pneumonia is often diagnosed and treated empirically. We set out to determine the
diagnostic accuracy of clinical judgment based on signs and symptoms to detect radiographic …

Background Efficient incorporation of e‐health in patients with heart failure (HF) may enhance
health care efficiency and patient empowerment. We aimed to assess the effect on self‐…

Background. Point-of-care (POC) C-reactive protein (CRP) testing is increasingly used in
primary care to assist general practitioners (GPs) in the diagnostic workup for various …

BACKGROUND: C-reactive protein (CRP) is increasingly being included in the diagnostic
work-up for community-acquired pneumonia in primary care. Its added diagnostic value …

Background Access to echocardiography in primary care is limited, but is necessary to
accurately diagnose heart failure (HF). Aim To determine the proportion of patients with a GP’s …

Purpose Prediction models for exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) are scarce. Our aim was to develop and validate a new model to predict …

Background. According to current guidelines, spirometry should be performed in patients
suspected of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by the results of history taking and …

Aims In 2007, the Heart Failure Association of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
launched the information website heartfailurematters.org (HFM site) with the aim of creating a …