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In the article's framework for identifying at risk patient groups there was no mention of smoking status and smoking load (number of pack years or years smoked) as a risk factor for disease. This may be partially explained by the lack of numerate smoking recording on general practice systems. It is often described as read codes such as 'ex heavy smoker '. Sadly this lack of smoking numeracy continues to hinder identifying high risk smoking patient groups.
In addition, there is no mention of occupation, but this is also difficult to record satisfactorily as job titles can be relatively fluid in our modern society as is my own title listed above.
Competing Interests: None declared.