Can general practice computer data be of use in assessing asthma service delivery and needs?

Objectives: To investigate the potential of general practice computer data in assessing asthma service delivery and need. To compare the epidemiology of coded asthmatics and those receiving asthma drugs with recognized patterns for asthma. To estimate asthma prevalence, preventer and reliever drug need and its possible cost in east London. Design: Descriptive study using asthma computer audits undertaken in June 1995 in five general practices selected for their interest in asthma.