Table 3 Regression results for the outpatient care indicators, characteristics of the regular GP, and selected socioeconomic and comorbidity variables. Adjusted for variables in Fig. 1 (next-year COPD admissions) and Table S2. IRR = Incidence rate ratio, 95%-CI = 95% confidence interval. *=significant at 5%-level

Care indicators

Spirometry performed at GP or contract specialist

0.93 (0.88–0.97)*

1.04 (0.91–1.20)

Continuity within GP care

0.85 (0.79–0.91)*

0.87 (0.74–1.04)

Rehabilitation within 30 days vs. later after COPD hospital admission

0.82 (0.70–0.95)*

0.86 (0.70–1.07)

No hospital admission/rehabilitation vs. rehabilitation after COPD hospital admission

0.94 (0.82–1.07)

0.43 (0.37–0.50)*

Follow-up by GP within 30 days vs. no/later follow-up after COPD hospital admission

0.92 (0.87–0.98)*

1.09 (0.97–1.22)

No hospital admissions vs. no/later follow-up by GP after COPD hospital admission

0.45 (0.42–0.48)*

N/A

Care interaction fees

0.93 (0.86–0.99)*

1.01 (0.87–1.16)

Home visits by GP or physiotherapist

1.00 (1.00-1.01)

1.01 (1.00-1.02)

Characteristics of the regular GP

GP specialist

0.99 (0.94–1.05)

1.01 (0.87–1.15)

GP group practice

0.91 (0.81–1.03)

1.05 (0.80–1.39)

List length per 100 patients

0.99 (0.98-1.00)*

1.00 (0.98–1.01)

Contact rate GP and contract specialist, respiratory diagnoses

1.08 (1.03–1.13)*

1.08 (0.99–1.19)

Contact rate GP and physiotherapist, respiratory diagnoses

1.00 (1.00–1.00)

1.00 (0.99–1.01)

Contact rate GP and outpatient hospital, respiratory diagnoses

1.05 (0.99–1.11)

1.01 (0.98–1.04)

Comorbidities

Alcoholism

1.45 (1.31–1.60)*

1.20 (0.94–1.52)

Anemia

0.95 (0.87–1.05)

1.16 (0.96–1.40)

Depression

1.20 (1.12–1.28)*

1.00 (0.87–1.15)

Diabetes

0.91 (0.85–0.98)*

0.89 (0.75–1.05)

Lung cancer

1.09 (0.97–1.23)

1.14 (0.90–1.44)

Mental disorders

1.02 (0.91–1.14)

0.96 (0.72–1.27)

Osteoporosis

1.14 (1.05–1.22)*

1.13 (0.96–1.34)

Underweight

1.03 (0.97–1.10)

1.21 (1.03–1.42)*

Socioeconomics

Gross income (per 100,000 NOK)

0.96 (0.93–0.99)*

0.98 (0.94–1.02)

Education: Secondary vs. primary

0.89 (0.85–0.93)*

0.96 (0.86–1.07)

College/university vs. primary

0.69 (0.63–0.74)*

0.94 (0.79–1.13)

Permanent disability pension

1.36 (1.29–1.44)*

1.02 (0.89–1.18)