N.U.A.G.E.S: A survey of nebulisation practice in France with regard to ERS guidelines

Abstract

A survey of nebulisation practice in France was conducted under the aegis of the French respiratory society in 2004. Analysis of a questionnaire was obtained from 3674 physicians. A total of 2439 physicians were general practitioners (GPs), 698 were chest physicians, and 537 paediatricians. The main reasons to use nebulisation are (1) for chest physicians efficacy in treating various pathologies with long-term administration (1 wk to 1 month) of approved drugs, and (2) for GP's local action properties. While chest physicians learned about nebulisation during their university training and do not ask for additional information, GPs learned by practical experience or from colleagues and ask for further information. This study will help to develop targeted educational programmes on nebulisation practice.