Table 4. Results of multilevel analysis for use of spirometry around the time of COPD diagnosis
Statistic2006–2007 cohort2016–2017 cohortMarch–August 2020 cohort
n 31 67637 3933368
Median n per practice (IQR)18 (9–31)21 (11–35)2 (1–4)
ICC: null model0.130.080.09
Median OR: null model (bootstrap 95% CI)1.95 (1.89 to 1.98)1.62 (1.59 to 1.65)1.72 (1.68 to 1.76)
ICC: COPD patient number as predictor0.120.080.09
Median OR: COPD patient number as predictor (bootstrap 95% CI)1.92 (1.87 to 1.96)1.67 (1.63 to 1.69)1.72 (1.68 to 1.76)
OR (number of COPD patients at practice) (95% CI)1.01 (1.00 to 1.01)1.00 (1.00 to 1.00)1.01 (0.98 to 1.03)
P-value (number of COPD patients at practice)<0.0010.0970.605
  • COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ICC = intraclass correlation coefficient. IQR = interquartile range. OR = odds ratio.