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Walz L, Illergård K, Arpegård J, Dorbesi C, Johansson H, Ingi Emilsson Ö. Characteristics, demographics, and epidemiology of possible chronic cough in Sweden: A nationwide register-based cohort study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303804. [PMID: 39047005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To show clinical characteristics, treatments, and comorbidities in chronic cough in a nationwide cohort. METHODS Two cohorts were created. A national cohort with individuals from two population-based databases; the National Patient Register and Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. Secondly, a regional cohort including primary care data. Adults with at least one cough diagnosis (ICD-10 R05) and/or individuals with ≥2 dispensed prescriptions for relevant cough-medication within the inclusion period, 2016-2018, were identified. Individuals on medications which may instigate cough or suggest acute infection or diagnosed with conditions where cough is a cardinal symptom, were excluded. Those remaining were defined as having possible refractory or unexplained chronic cough (RCC/UCC). RESULTS Altogether 62,963 individuals were identified with possible RCC/UCC, giving a national prevalence of about 1%. Mean age was 56 years and 60% were females. Many (44%) of the individuals with possible RCC/UCC visited cough relevant specialist clinics during the study period, but less than 20% received a cough diagnosis. A majority (63%) had evidence of RCC/UCC in the 10 years prior to inclusion in the study. In the regional cohort, including primary care data, the prevalence of RCC/UCC was doubled (2%). Cough medicines were mainly prescribed by primary care physicians (82%). CONCLUSION Most individuals with possible RCC/UCC sought medical care in primary care, and had a long history of cough, with various treatments tried, indicating a substantial burden of the condition. Referrals to specialist care were very rare. The results underline the need for a structured multidisciplinary approach and future therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Johannes Arpegård
- Division of Research, Informatics & Visualization, Reveal AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cristian Dorbesi
- Division of Research, Informatics & Visualization, Reveal AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Johansson
- Department of Medical Sciences: Clinical Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health: Physiotherapy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Össur Ingi Emilsson
- Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergology, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
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Chodick G, Barer Y, Blay Hagai T, Keidar I, Rosenfeld Teper G, Kopel H, Berkman N. Epidemiology and Healthcare Service Utilization among Adults with Chronic Cough. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3230. [PMID: 38892940 PMCID: PMC11172840 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and objective: Chronic cough (CC) is a prevalent yet underexplored medical condition, with limited real-world data regarding its healthcare burden. This study investigates the epidemiology, associated comorbidities, and healthcare service utilization among patients with CC. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, adult patients with at least 3 physician diagnoses of cough over a period spanning a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 12 months anytime between 2009 and 2018, were defined as patients with CC (PwCC). The reference group were adults without cough matched in a 1:1 ratio for age, sex, and place of residence. Results: The study included 91,757 PwCC, reflecting a prevalence of 5.5%. Of those, 59,296 patients (mean [SD] age, 53.9 [16.8] years; 59.6% females) were first diagnosed with CC during the study period, representing a 10-year incidence rate of 3.26% (95%CI: 3.24-3.29%). Diseases associated with the highest OR for CC included lung cancer (OR = 3.32; 95%CI: 2.90-4.25), whooping cough (OR = 3.04; 95%CI: 2.70-3.60), and respiratory infections (OR = 2.81; 95%CI: 2.74-2.88). Furthermore, PwCC demonstrated increased healthcare service utilization, leading to a higher adjusted annual estimated mean cost (USD 4038 vs. USD 1833, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Chronic cough emerges as a relatively prevalent complaint within community care, exerting a considerable economic burden. This study underscores the need for heightened awareness, comprehensive management strategies, and resource allocation to address the multifaceted challenges associated with chronic cough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Chodick
- Maccabitech, Maccabi Institute for Research and Innovation, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Ha’Mered St. 27, Tel Aviv 6812509, Israel;
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, P.O. Box 39040, Ramat Aviv, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Yael Barer
- Maccabitech, Maccabi Institute for Research and Innovation, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Ha’Mered St. 27, Tel Aviv 6812509, Israel;
| | - Tal Blay Hagai
- Global Medical and Scientific Affairs, Merck Sharp & Dohme Company Ltd., Ha’Charash St. 34, P.O. Box 7340, Hod Hasharon 45800, Israel; (T.B.H.); (I.K.); (G.R.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Ido Keidar
- Global Medical and Scientific Affairs, Merck Sharp & Dohme Company Ltd., Ha’Charash St. 34, P.O. Box 7340, Hod Hasharon 45800, Israel; (T.B.H.); (I.K.); (G.R.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Gally Rosenfeld Teper
- Global Medical and Scientific Affairs, Merck Sharp & Dohme Company Ltd., Ha’Charash St. 34, P.O. Box 7340, Hod Hasharon 45800, Israel; (T.B.H.); (I.K.); (G.R.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Hagit Kopel
- Global Medical and Scientific Affairs, Merck Sharp & Dohme Company Ltd., Ha’Charash St. 34, P.O. Box 7340, Hod Hasharon 45800, Israel; (T.B.H.); (I.K.); (G.R.T.); (H.K.)
| | - Neville Berkman
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Hadassah Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Kalman Ya’Akov Man Street, Ein-Karem, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel;
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Ge H, Hong K, Fan C, Zhang J, Li X, Zhang H, Qiu A. Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare providers on chronic refractory cough: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27564. [PMID: 38509874 PMCID: PMC10950586 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous studies from outside China showed that the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of chronic refractory cough (CRC) was moderate among physicians. This study examined the KAP toward CRC in Chinese healthcare providers. Methods This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted at The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, from July 2022 to January 2023 and enrolled healthcare providers. The demographic characteristics and KAP scores were collected using a questionnaire (Cronbach's α = 0.934) developed based on CRC guidelines. Results The study included 539 healthcare providers. The mean knowledge score was 8.27 ± 2.37 (maximum of 14, 59.07%), indicating poor knowledge. The highest rates of inaccuracies pertained to knowledge about the definition of chronic cough, empirical treatment methods, and potential risks of different treatments, suggesting a need for unified training in all aspects of CRC for medical staff. The mean attitude score was 49.74 ± 63.63 (maximum of 60, 82.90%), indicating favorable attitudes. Most healthcare providers believed that CRC affects normal work and life and that it would be necessary to provide more help to patients from the perspectives of drug treatment and psychological counseling. The mean practice score was 23.20 ± 6.28 (maximum of 35, 66.29%), indicating poor practice. Conclusion This study suggests that healthcare providers in Yancheng have poor knowledge, favorable attitudes, and poor practice of CRC. This study provides points that should be targeted in future training and continuing education activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijue Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital 6 of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, 224002, China
| | - Kexia Hong
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Hospital 6 of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, 224002, China
| | - Chuanyi Fan
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Hospital 6 of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, 224002, China
| | - Jiansheng Zhang
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Hospital 6 of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, 224002, China
| | - Xia Li
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Hospital 6 of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, 224002, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Hospital 6 of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, 224002, China
| | - Aimin Qiu
- Department of Pneumology, Affiliated Hospital 6 of Nantong University, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, Yancheng, 224002, China
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Puente-Maestu L. The scourge of chronic cough. Pulmonology 2024; 30:99-100. [PMID: 37210335 DOI: 10.1016/j.pulmoe.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- L Puente-Maestu
- Head of the Respiratory Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain; Respiratory Medicine Professor at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Medical School, Madrid, Spain.
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Bali V, Schelfhout J, Sher MR, Tripathi Peters A, Patel GB, Mayorga M, Goss D, Romano C(D. Patient-reported experiences with refractory or unexplained chronic cough: a qualitative analysis. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2024; 18:17534666241236025. [PMID: 38501735 PMCID: PMC10953008 DOI: 10.1177/17534666241236025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic cough, defined as a cough lasting 8 or more weeks, affects up to 10% of adults. Refractory chronic cough (RCC) is a cough that is uncontrolled despite comprehensive investigation and treatment of comorbid conditions while unexplained chronic cough (UCC) is a cough with no identifiable cause despite extensive evaluation of comorbid conditions. RCC and UCC are often poorly controlled. Understanding individuals' lived experience of the symptoms and impacts of these conditions may guide therapeutic strategies. OBJECTIVES The primary objectives of this study were to assess respondents' perceptions of the key symptoms of RCC and UCC and the impacts of RCC and UCC and their symptoms on well-being, health-related quality of life, work productivity, and social relationships. DESIGN Qualitative study. METHODS This study enrolled 30 adults with physician-diagnosed RCC or UCC. Two trained qualitative researchers conducted individual, in-depth telephone interviews using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, coded, and systematically analyzed to identify content themes. RESULTS A total of 15 respondents with RCC and 15 with UCC were included in the study. Many respondents had RCC or UCC for a long duration (median 9 years, range: 0-24). Half of the respondents reported having a coughing episode at least once daily. Only 40% of respondents reported that medication had improved their symptoms. In over half of the respondents, RCC or UCC hindered communication, caused embarrassment, frustration, and worry, and lowered quality of life. Perceptions of meaningful treatment benefits in RCC or UCC varied widely across respondents. CONCLUSION RCC and UCC remained poorly managed in many individuals and were associated with a wide range of symptoms and cough triggers that hindered daily activities and reduced emotional well-being. Understanding individuals' lived experiences may inform the development of RCC and UCC therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Bali
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, Merck & Co. Inc., 351 North Sumneytown Pike, North Wales, PA 19454, USA
| | - Jonathan Schelfhout
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence, Merck & Co. Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Gayatri B. Patel
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Diana Goss
- RTI Health Solutions, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Yang S, Huang S, Hincapie-Castillo JM, Ke X, Ding H, Schelfhout J, Sher MR, Jones B, Wilson DL, Lo-Ciganic WH. Patterns of Cough Medication Prescribing among Patients with Chronic Cough in Florida: 2012-2021. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6286. [PMID: 37834931 PMCID: PMC10573590 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Among patients with chronic cough (CC) in the 2012-2021 statewide OneFlorida Clinical Research Consortium database, we examined trends in cough medication (CM) prescribing prevalence over time in repeated cross-sectional analyses and identified distinct CM utilization trajectories using group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) in a retrospective cohort study. Among eligible adults (≥18 years) without cancer/benign respiratory tumor diagnoses, we identified CC patients and non-CC patients with any cough-related diagnosis. In the GBTM analysis, we calculated the number of monthly prescriptions for any CMs (excluding gabapentinoids) during the 12 months from the first qualifying cough event to identify distinct utilization trajectories. From 2012 to 2021, benzonatate (9.6% to 26.1%), dextromethorphan (5.2% to 8.6%), and gabapentinoid (5.3% to 14.4%) use increased among CC patients, while opioid antitussive use increased from 2012 to 2015 and decreased thereafter (8.4% in 2012, 14.7% in 2015, 6.7% in 2021; all p < 0.001). Of 15,566 CC patients and 655,250 non-CC patients identified in the GBTM analysis, CC patients had substantial burdens of respiratory/non-respiratory comorbidities and healthcare service and concomitant medication use compared to non-CC patients. Among CC patients, GBTM identified three distinct CM utilization trajectories: (1) no CM use (n = 11,222; 72.1%); (2) declining CM use (n = 4105; 26.4%); and (3) chronic CM use (n = 239; 1.5%). CC patients in Florida had limited CM use with increasing trends in use of benzonatate, dextromethorphan, and gabapentinoids and a decreasing trend in opioid antitussive use. CC patients, particularly with chronic prescription CM use, experienced substantial disease burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seonkyeong Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (S.H.); (B.J.); (D.L.W.)
| | - Shu Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (S.H.); (B.J.); (D.L.W.)
| | - Juan M. Hincapie-Castillo
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Xuehua Ke
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA; (X.K.); (H.D.); (J.S.)
| | - Helen Ding
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA; (X.K.); (H.D.); (J.S.)
| | - Jonathan Schelfhout
- Center for Observational and Real-World Evidence (CORE), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA; (X.K.); (H.D.); (J.S.)
| | | | - Bobby Jones
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (S.H.); (B.J.); (D.L.W.)
| | - Debbie L. Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (S.H.); (B.J.); (D.L.W.)
| | - Wei-Hsuan Lo-Ciganic
- Department of Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; (S.Y.); (S.H.); (B.J.); (D.L.W.)
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Safety (CoDES), College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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Dávila I, Puente L, Quirce S, Arismendi E, Díaz-Palacios M, Pereira-Vega A, de Diego A, Rodriguez-Hermosa JL, Cea-Calvo L, Sánchez-Jareño M, López-Cotarelo P, Domingo C. Characteristics and Management of Patients with Refractory or Unexplained Chronic Cough in Outpatient Hospital Clinics in Spain: A Retrospective Multicenter Study. Lung 2023:10.1007/s00408-023-00620-y. [PMID: 37160771 PMCID: PMC10169201 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-023-00620-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic cough (cough that persists for ≥ 8 weeks) can cause a range of physical symptoms and psychosocial effects that significantly impair patients' quality of life. Refractory chronic cough (RCC) and unexplained chronic cough (UCC) are challenging to diagnose and manage, with substantial economic implications for healthcare systems. METHODS This retrospective multicenter non-interventional study aimed to characterize the profile and health resource consumption of patients with RCC or UCC who attended outpatient clinics at Spanish hospitals. Data were collected from medical records of patients with RCC or UCC for up to 3 years before study inclusion. RESULTS The patient cohort (n = 196) was representative of the chronic cough population (77.6% female, mean age 58.5 years). Two-thirds of patients (n = 126) had RCC. The most frequently visited doctors were pulmonologists (93.4% of patients) and primary care physicians (78.6%), with a mean of 5 visits per patient over three years' observation. The most common diagnostic tests were chest x-ray (83.7%) and spirometry with bronchodilation (77.0%). The most commonly prescribed treatments were proton pump inhibitors (79.6%) and respiratory medications (87.8%). Antibiotics were prescribed empirically to 56 (28.6%) patients. Differences between RCC or UCC groups related mainly to approaches used to manage cough-associated conditions (gastroesophageal reflux disease, asthma) in patients with RCC. CONCLUSION RCC and UCC are responsible for high health resource utilization in Spanish hospitals. Specific treatments targeting the pathological processes driving chronic cough may provide opportunities to reduce the associated burden for patients and healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Dávila
- Servicio de Alergia, Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas Y del Diagnóstico, Facultad de Medicina, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Luis Puente
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Gregorio Marañón- Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Quirce
- Servicio de Alergia, Hospital Universitario La Paz, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ebymar Arismendi
- Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERES, IDIBAPS, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Alfredo de Diego
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitari I Politècnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Rodriguez-Hermosa
- Servicio de Neumología, Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Cea-Calvo
- Medical Affairs, MSD Spain, C. de Josefa Valcárcel, 38, 28027, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | | | - Christian Domingo
- Corporació Parc Taulí, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Sabadell, Spain
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Canadian Health Care Professionals' Familiarity with Chronic Cough Guidelines and Experiences with Diagnosis and Management: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Lung 2023; 201:47-55. [PMID: 36808540 DOI: 10.1007/s00408-023-00604-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Educational programs on chronic cough may improve patient care, but little is known about how Canadian physicians manage this common debilitating condition. We aimed to investigate Canadian physicians' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of chronic cough. METHODS We administered a 10-min anonymous, online, cross-sectional survey to 3321 Canadian physicians in the Leger Opinion Panel who managed adult patients with chronic cough and had been in practice for > 2 years. RESULTS Between July 30 and September 22, 2021, 179 physicians (101 general practitioners [GPs] and 78 specialists [25 allergists, 28 respirologists, and 25 ear/nose/throat specialists]) completed the survey (response rate: 5.4%). In a month, GPs saw a mean of 27 patients with chronic cough, whereas specialists saw 46. About one-third of physicians appropriately identified a duration of > 8 weeks as the definition for chronic cough. Many physicians reported not using international chronic cough management guidelines. Patient referrals and care pathways varied considerably, and patients frequently experienced lost to follow-up. While physicians endorsed nasal and inhaled corticosteroids as common treatments for chronic cough, they rarely used other guideline-recommended treatments. Both GPs and specialists expressed high interest in education on chronic cough. CONCLUSION This survey of Canadian physicians demonstrates low uptake of recent advances in chronic cough diagnosis, disease categorization, and pharmacologic management. Canadian physicians also report unfamiliarity with guideline-recommended therapies, including centrally acting neuromodulators for refractory or unexplained chronic cough. This data highlights the need for educational programs and collaborative care models on chronic cough in primary and specialist care.
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Leuppi JD, Guggisberg P, Koch D, Favre-Bulle A, Fabiani M, Heinz S, Zeller A. Understanding physician's knowledge and perception of chronic cough in Switzerland. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:1459-1466. [PMID: 35369836 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2022.2057154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cough is one of the most common health issues for which medical attention is sought. A chronic cough (CC) is understood as a cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks. CC encompasses two subsets referred to as refractory chronic cough (RCC) and unexplained chronic cough (UCC). This study aims to assess the current understanding and perceptions of a RCC and UCC, from a physician's perspective in Switzerland and how this understanding and practical work leads to the relevant diagnosis and treatment. METHODS In October 2020, 549 GPs and 338 pulmonologists in Switzerland, received an invite to participate in the online-based quantitative survey. Data collection was carried out through a 25-minute online survey. The questionnaire was based on structured questions, and conducted on a randomized sample of doctors (general practitioners -GPs and pulmonologists) in the German- and French-speaking part of Switzerland. RESULTS Overall, 33 pulmonologists and 52 GPs participated in the online survey. Only 39% of GPs, but 73% of pulmonologists, defined chronic cough as a cough lasting 8 weeks or longer. The majority of physicians (72%), especially pulmonologists (88%), perceived a clinical gap regarding the treatment of persistent cough. 74% of the sampled physicians agreed that persistent cough is a high burden of disease for patients. Based on the answers, the annual number of new patients with RCC and UCC in Switzerland is estimated at 9322 patients. CONCLUSIONS Results of this study have highlighted differences in the terminology used to describe CC (RCC and UCC), in the diagnostic tests used and, in the treatments used between GPs and pulmonologists. These findings suggest the need to align the current language regarding the disease to facilitate a standardized approach for diagnosis and treatment and towards improving patient care and reduce burden of disease for CC (RCC and UCC) patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg D Leuppi
- Cantonal Hospital Baselland, University Clinic of Medicine and Medical Faculty University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel Koch
- MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme AG, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Sabina Heinz
- IPSOS Mori Healthcare (Market Access), London, UK
| | - Andreas Zeller
- Centre for Primary Health Care, Medical Faculty, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V Dicpinigaitis
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center/Einstein Division, 1825 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
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