Costs of pulmonary rehabilitation and predictors of adherence in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial

Transfer of Knowledge on Pneumoconiosis Care Among Rural-Based Members of a Digital Community of Practice: Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Given the re-emergence of coal workers' pneumoconiosis in Appalachia and Mountain West United States, there is a tremendous need to train rural professionals in its multidisciplinary management. Since 2016, the Miners' Wellness TeleECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes) Program held by the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, and Miners' Colfax Medical Center, Raton, New Mexico, provides structured longitudinal multidisciplinary telementoring to diverse professionals taking care of miners by creating a digital community of practice. Program sessions emphasize active learning through discussion, rather than didactic training. Professional stakeholder groups include respiratory therapists, home health professionals, benefits counselors, lawyers or attorneys, clinicians, and others. Rural-urban differences in knowledge transfer in such a community of practice, however, remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to evaluate the role of the rurality of the patient or client base in the transfer of knowledge to professionals caring for miners using the digital community of practice approach.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of 70 professionals participating in the Miners' Wellness TeleECHO Program between 2018 and 2019. Drawing insights from social network analysis, we examined the association between the rurality of participants' patient or client base and their self-reported receipt of knowledge. Our focal independent variable was the respondent's self-reported percentage of patients or clients who reside in rural areas. We measured knowledge transfer sources by asking participants if they received knowledge regarding the care of miners during and outside of TeleECHO sessions from each of the other participants. Our dependent variables included the number of knowledge sources, number of cross-stakeholder knowledge sources, number of same stakeholder knowledge sources, and range and heterogeneity of knowledge sources.

RESULTS

Respondents, on average, identified 4.46 (SD 3.16) unique knowledge sources within the community, with a greater number of cross-stakeholder knowledge sources (2.80) than same stakeholder knowledge sources (1.72). The mean knowledge source range was 2.50 (SD 1.29), indicating that, on average, respondents received knowledge sources from roughly half of the 5 stakeholder groups. Finally, the mean heterogeneity of knowledge sources, which can range between 0 and 0.80, was near the midpoint of the scale at 0.44 (SD 0.30). Multivariable analyses revealed that as the rurality of patient or client bases increased, participants reported more knowledge sources overall, more knowledge sources from outside of their stakeholder groups, a higher knowledge source range, and greater heterogeneity of knowledge sources (P<.05 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that participants who serve rural areas especially benefit from knowledge transfer within the TeleECHO community of practice. Additionally, the knowledge they receive comes from diverse information sources, emphasizing its multidisciplinary nature. Our results underscore the capacity of the TeleECHO model to leverage technology to promote rural health equity for miners.

Improving Physiological, Physical, and Psychological Health Outcomes: A Narrative Review in US Veterans with COPD

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States (US) providing healthcare to an increasing number of middle-aged and older adults who remain at greater risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to their civilian counterparts. The VHA has obligated research funds, drafted clinical guidelines, and built programmatic infrastructure to support the diagnosis, treatment, and care management of Veterans with COPD. Despite these efforts, COPD remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Veterans. This paper provides a narrative review of research conducted with US Veteran samples targeting improvement in COPD outcomes. We review key physiological, physical, and psychological health outcomes and intervention research that included US Veteran samples. We conclude with a discussion of directions for future research to continue advancing the treatment of COPD in Veterans and inform advancements in COPD research within and outside the VHA.

Predictors of adherence to prescribed exercise programs for older adults with medical or surgical indications for exercise: a systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Prescribed exercise to treat medical conditions and to prepare for surgery is a promising intervention to prevent adverse health outcomes for older adults; however, adherence to exercise programs may be low. Our objective was to identify and grade the quality of predictors of adherence to prescribed exercise in older adults.

METHODS

Prospective observational and experimental studies were identified using a peer-reviewed search strategy applied to MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and CINAHL from inception until October 6, 2020. Following an independent and duplicate review of titles, abstracts, and full texts, we included prospective studies with an average population age >65 years, where exercise was formally prescribed for a medical or surgical condition. We excluded studies where exercise was prescribed for a chronic musculoskeletal condition. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic studies tool or Cochrane risk of bias tool, as appropriate. Predictors of adherence were identified and graded for quality using an adaptation of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework for predictor studies.

RESULTS

We included 19 observational studies and 4 randomized controlled trials (n=5785) Indications for exercise included cardiac (n=6), pulmonary rehabilitation (n=7), or other (n=10; surgical, medical, and neurologic). Of the 10 studies that reported adherence as the percent of prescribed sessions completed, average adherence was 80% (range 60-98%; standard deviation (SD) 11%). Of the 10 studies that reported adherence as a categorical threshold demarking adherent vs not adherent, average adherence was 57.5% (range 21-83%; SD 21%). Moderate-quality evidence suggested that positive predictors of adherence were self-efficacy and good self-rated mental health; negative predictors were depression (high quality) and distance from the exercise facility. Moderate-quality evidence suggested that comorbidity and age were not predictive of adherence.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings can inform the design of future exercise programs as well as the identification of individuals who may require extra support to benefit from prescribed exercise.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42018108242.

The Effects of Antidepressant Therapy on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Depressive Symptoms

Background. Symptoms of depression are often present in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and treatment of depression may substantially improve the quality of life of such patients. The aim of our study was to investigate factors that influence the efficacy of antidepressant therapy in terms of the quality of life in patients with COPD and a depressive disorder.

Materials and Methods. The study was designed as a prospective cross-sectional study and conducted between October 2016 and December 2019 in the Primary Health Center, Kragujevac, Serbia. The study sample included 87 patients. Associations between putative risk factors and change in the quality-of-life score were tested by a multivariate linear regression model and interpreted by the regression coefficients.

Results. Our study showed a clear positive effect of therapy with SSRIs on the severity of depression symptoms and the quality of life of patients with co-occurrence of COPD and depression. However, multiple linear regression shows that the effect of SSRIs was more prominent in patients with a higher degree of COPD severity since patients with lower FEV1 values had a more extensive increase in the Q-LES-Q-SF score (B=-0,034; p=0,020).

Conclusion. Treatment of depression that accompanies COPD is an important segment of managing such patients, which significantly improves HRQoL. Patients with more severe COPD would especially benefit from such treatment since their response to SSRIs is more pronounced.

Barriers and Enablers to Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Qualitative Study of Healthcare Professionals

Introduction

Low- and middle-income countries bear a disproportionately high burden of global morbidity and mortality caused by chronic respiratory diseases. Pulmonary rehabilitation is recommended as a core intervention in the management of people with chronic respiratory diseases. However, the intervention remains poorly accessed/utilised globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Aim

This qualitative study explored barriers and enablers to pulmonary rehabilitation in low- and middle-income countries from the perspective of healthcare professionals with pulmonary rehabilitation experience in these settings.

Methods

Online-based semi-structured in-depth interviews with healthcare professionals were undertaken to data saturation, exploring lived barriers and enablers to pulmonary rehabilitation in their low- or middle-income country. Anonymised interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of seven healthcare professionals from seven low- and middle-income countries representing Africa, Asia, and South America were interviewed. They included five physiotherapists (four females), one family physician (male), and one pulmonologist (female). Themes for barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation included limited resources, low awareness, coronavirus disease 2019, and patient access-related costs. Themes for enablers included local adaptation, motivated patients, coronavirus disease 2019 (which spanned both enablers and barriers), better awareness/recognition, provision of PR training, and resource support.

Conclusion

Barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation in low- and middle-income countries include limited resources, low awareness, coronavirus disease 2019, and patient access-related costs. Enablers include local adaptation, motivated patients, coronavirus disease 2019 (which spanned both enablers and barriers), better awareness/recognition, provision of PR training, and resource support. Successful implementation of these enablers will require engagement with multiple stakeholders. The findings of this study are a necessary step towards developing strategies that can overcome the existing pulmonary rehabilitation evidence-practice gap in low- and middle-income countries and alleviating the burden of chronic respiratory diseases in these countries.

The Relationship Between Anxiety, Depression and Treatment Adherence in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review

Background

Almost half of the people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) do not adhere to the prescribed treatments and report anxiety and depression as comorbidities, resulting in higher rates of exacerbations, hospitalizations, and worse clinical outcomes.

Objective

This systematic review provided a synthesis of studies about the relationships between anxiety, depression, and adherence in people affected by COPD.

Methods

English language publications were searched in the PUBMED, SCOPUS, PsycInfo, Web of Science, PsycArticles, and Cochrane Library databases from December 2020 to March 2021, following PRISMA guidelines. The reference lists of eligible studies and other relevant systematic reviews were also searched. Data extraction and critical appraisal were undertaken by two reviewers working independently. The reference lists of eligible studies and other relevant systematic reviews were also searched. Data extraction and critical appraisal were undertaken by two reviewers working independently.

Results

A total of 34 studies (23 quantitative and 2 qualitative studies, 9 reviews) were included. The relationship between depression and treatment adherence was significant and negative. Adherence to both rehabilitation, psychological, and antidepressant pharmacological treatments in depressed patients was linked to a decreased risk of hospitalization. Moreover, depressed patients compliant with an antidepressant were more likely to adherent to COPD maintenance inhalers. On the other hand, the associations between anxiety and adherence were poorly investigated and high heterogeneity characterized the studies, leading to a weak and variable relationship as well as too few interventions.

Conclusion

The systematic review highlights the variability in estimates of the relationship between depression, anxiety, and treatment adherence in COPD. It could be explained by methodological differences across the included studies. This suggests that standardization is critical to improving the precision of the estimates. Recommendations for future research include attention to causal inferences, an exploration of mechanisms to explain the relationships between both anxiety and depression and adherence in COPD, and a comprehensive, systematic approach.

Long-term Exercise After Pulmonary Rehabilitation (LEAP): a pilot randomised controlled trial of Tai Chi in COPD

Mind-body modalities are promising strategies to maintain the benefits gained after completion of conventional pulmonary rehabilitation in persons with COPD. In this pilot randomised controlled study we examined Tai Chi in persons with COPD after completing pulmonary rehabilitation. Participants were randomised 2:2:1 to Tai Chi (TC), usual care (UC) or group walking (GW) for 24 weeks. We assessed feasibility; primary outcome was exercise capacity measured by 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life measured by Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), dyspnoea, mood, stress, social support, self-efficacy, physical activity and exercise engagement. Effect size estimates and estimates from generalised estimating equations were calculated. Ninety-one persons (36 TC, 37 UC, 18 GW) were enrolled, with mean age 69±6 years, 59% male, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s % predicted (FEV₁ % pred) 48±19%. There was no difference in adherence and adverse events between groups. There was a small between-group effect size (ES=0.25) in change in 6MWT distance favouring TC compared to UC; 24-week comparison was nonsignificant (p=0.10). There were no differences in secondary outcomes. In exploratory analyses, there was a greater percentage of participants in TC who improved 6MWT distance at 24 weeks, compared to UC, 64% versus 39%, p=0.05. There were higher percentages of participants in TC who improved CRQ Fatigue (59% versus 31%, p=0.02) and CRQ Mastery (47% versus 20%, p=0.01) domain scores, compared to UC. For GW, there were no differences compared with TC. Tai Chi may be a feasible option to maintain the benefits gained after completing conventional pulmonary rehabilitation.

Experiences of a home-based fall prevention exercise program among older adults with chronic lung disease

BACKGROUND

Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often have mobility limitations; these may include challenges with balance and being at high risk of falling. Risk of falling can be reduced through exercise programs targeting balance; however, older adults with COPD may experience many barriers to exercise adherence. In this paper we present qualitative findings about the feasibility of a six-month home-based fall-prevention exercise program for older adults with COPD. The aim of the study is to describe the experiences of older adults with COPD who participated in a home-based fall prevention exercise program in order to determine their perceived facilitators and barriers to participation.

METHODS

15 participants with COPD who had completed the six-month home-based program participated in one-on-one semi-structured interviews over the phone. Interpretive description methodology and thematic analysis were used.

RESULTS

Two major themes emerged with respect to participants' perspectives of the intervention and facilitators and barriers to participation: program personalization based on each individual's characteristics, lifestyles, and preferences; and self-motivation and support from family, friends, and healthcare providers.

CONCLUSIONS

Fall prevention exercise programs that are personalized and focus on providing support for older adults with COPD may help to improve adherence and reduce participants' risk of falling.Implications for rehabilitationIndividuals with COPD often have balance problems and a high risk of falling.Fall prevention programs can improve balance, but adherence is a commonly cited challenge.Patient experiences suggest that fall prevention programs should be personalized and incorporate social support to improve adherence to fall prevention exercises.

Improvement in Lung Function and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Patients with COPD with Comorbid Anxiety and Depression Receiving Nebulized Glycopyrrolate in the GOLDEN 3 and 4 Studies

Background

Anxiety and depression (A/D) are common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are often associated with lower adherence to treatment and worse patient-related outcomes. However, studies on the impact of comorbid A/D on responses to bronchodilators are limited.

Methods

This post hoc analysis of pooled data (N=861) from the GOLDEN 3 and 4 studies compared the efficacy and safety of nebulized glycopyrrolate (GLY) 25 µg in patients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD, grouped by self-reported A/D. Changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) and health-related quality of life determined by St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores in patients with or without comorbid A/D (A/D [+] or A/D [–]) were examined following 12 weeks of GLY 25 µg twice-daily (BID) or placebo treatment.

Results

A/D (+) patients were predominantly female, younger, included a higher proportion of current smokers, and had higher baseline SGRQ scores compared with the A/D (–) group. At 12 weeks, GLY resulted in placebo-adjusted improvements from baseline in FEV₁ of 46.9 mL (p=0.19; not significant) and 106.7 mL (p<0.0001), in the A/D (+) and A/D (–) groups, respectively. Improvements were observed with GLY compared to placebo in SGRQ scores, regardless of baseline A/D status; the placebo-adjusted least squares mean change from baseline in SGRQ total scores was –3.16 (p>0.05) and –3.34 (p<0.001), for the A/D (+) and A/D (–) groups, respectively. Despite numerical improvements in SGRQ scores with GLY in the A/D (+) group, a higher response to placebo was observed. GLY was generally well tolerated throughout 12 weeks of treatment; incidence of adverse events was higher in the A/D (+) group compared with the A/D (–) group in both treatment arms.

Conclusion

GLY 25 µg BID resulted in numerical improvements in FEV₁, SGRQ total scores and SGRQ responder rates in patients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD, regardless of A/D status at baseline; significant improvements were noted only in the A/D (+) group. The results emphasize the importance of considering underlying comorbidities including A/D when evaluating the efficacy of COPD treatments.

[Adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation: An exploratory review]

Currently, several studies have identified low adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD, despite the positive effects of the treatment. Patient adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation is affected by factors such as the absence of family support, and the presence of multiple comorbidities, respiratory distress, anxiety and depression. Given that there is no conclusive evidence about which of these factors are most influential in determining adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD, we conducted this scoping review to analyse the available evidence on the factors influencing the adherence of patients with COPD to pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRP). A wide literature search was carried out in Medline, Ovid, Science Direct, EMBASE, EBSCO and ISI-web of science, with prior definition of the selection criteria that included the factors associated with healthcare and adherence in patients with COPD in PRP. We used the adherence model proposed by the WHO as a conceptual framework. As a significant result, we found that factors in the dimension of illness (40%) and patient (30%) were the most frequently found dimensions in the studies, revealing that the design of pulmonary rehabilitation programs must take into account the specific needs of the patient. Further studies are needed to establish barriers and facilitators of adherence among COPD patients to PRP in the Colombian setting.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in a Post-COVID-19 World: Telerehabilitation as a New Standard in Patients with COPD

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is effective in reducing symptoms and improving health status, and exercise tolerance of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic has greatly impacted PR programs and their delivery to patients. Owing to fears of viral transmission and resultant outbreaks of COVID-19, institution-based PR programs have been forced to significantly reduce enrolment or in some cases completely shut down during the pandemic. As a majority of COPD patients are elderly and have multiple co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, they are notably susceptible to severe complications of COVID-19. As such, patients have been advised to stay at home and avoid social contact to the maximum extent possible. This has increased patients’ vulnerability to physical deconditioning, depression, and social isolation. To address this major gap in care, some traditional hospital or clinic-centered PR programs have converted some or all of their learning contents to home-based telerehabilitation during the pandemic. There are, however, some significant barriers to this approach that have impeded its implementation in the community. These include variable access and use of technology (by patients), a lack of standardization of methods and tools for evaluation of the program, and inadequate training and resources for health professionals in optimally delivering telerehabilitation to patients. There is a pressing need for high-quality studies on these modalities of PR to enable the successful implementation of PR at home and via teleconferencing technologies. Here, we highlight the importance of telerehabilitation of patients with COPD in the post-COVID world and discuss various strategies for clinical implementation.

Predictors of pulmonary rehabilitation completion in the UK

Introduction

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to improve dyspnoea, fatigue, quality of life and exercise capacity in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Our aim was to determine the characteristics of people with COPD associated with completion of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional analysis of 7060 people with COPD enrolled in pulmonary rehabilitation between January 1, 2017 and March 31, 2017. Data were from a UK national audit of COPD care. Factors associated with pulmonary rehabilitation completion were determined using mixed effects logistic regression with a random intercept for pulmonary rehabilitation service. Factors chosen for assessment based on clinical judgement and data availability were age, sex, country, socioeconomic status, body mass index, referral location, programme type, start within 90 days, smoking status, oxygen therapy, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage, Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea grade, any exercise test and any health status questionnaire.

Results

4635 (66%) people with COPD completed a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. People that were aged ≥60 years, resident in Wales, referred within 90 days, an ex- or never-smoker, received an exercise test, or received a health status questionnaire had significantly greater odds of completing pulmonary rehabilitation. People that were in the most deprived quintile, underweight or very severely obese, enrolled in a rolling rather than a cohort programme, had a higher GOLD stage and had a higher MRC grade had significantly lower odds of completing pulmonary rehabilitation.

Conclusions

People with COPD were more likely to complete pulmonary rehabilitation when best practice guidelines were followed. People with more severe COPD symptoms and those enrolled in rolling rather than cohort programmes were less likely to complete pulmonary rehabilitation. Referring people with COPD in the earlier stages of disease, ensuring programmes follow best practice guidelines and favouring cohort over rolling programmes could improve rates of pulmonary rehabilitation completion.

Barriers to pulmonary rehabilitation - A narrative review and perspectives from a few stakeholders

Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is an essential and comprehensive intervention recommended in the management of people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD). Scientific evidence suggests significant health benefits with respect to repeated hospital admissions, exercise tolerance and Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL). However, the uptake and completion of PR programs are globally low. In order to understand the factors contributing to underutilization of PR, it is important to review and recognize the barriers to PR program. A literature search was conducted on Medline (PubMed) database. After reviewing the title and abstracts, full text articles were scrutinized for their relevance. Twenty-two studies involving factors affecting the uptake, participation and completion of PR program were included in this review. Reported barriers to PR were healthcare system, healthcare professional and patient related factors. Primary factors related to healthcare system and healthcare professionals were fewer PR centers, accessibility inconvenience, lack of awareness of PR program, low knowledge of referral process and lack of interdisciplinary teamwork. Difficulties faced by patients to take up and/or to complete PR programs were lack of transportation, co-morbidities, lack of perceived benefits, socio-economic status and lack of funding facilities. Identified and reported barriers resulted into discontinuity between knowledge of health benefits and utilization of PR service for patients with CRDs. Addressing the barriers would accelerate the healthcare professionals' referral and patients to avail the health benefits of rehabilitation service.

Medical Director Responsibilities for Outpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs in the United States: 2019: A STATEMENT FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS FROM THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND PULMONARY REHABILITATION (AACVPR)

Clinical guidelines have been developed recognizing pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) as a key component in the management of patients with chronic lung disease. The medical director of a PR program is a key player in every program and is a requirement for operation of the program. The medical director must be a licensed physician who has experience in respiratory physiology management. The purpose of this document is to provide an update regarding the clinical, programmatic, legislative, and regulatory issues that impact PR medical directors in North America. It describes the clinical rationale for physician involvement, relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, and resources available that the medical director can utilize to promote evidence-based and cost-effective PR services. All pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs must include a medical director. There are many clinical, programmatic, legislative, and regulatory issues that impact the PR medical director. The purpose of this document is to concentrate on the unique roles and responsibilities of the PR medical director.

A Geographic Analysis of Racial Disparities in Use of Pulmonary Rehabilitation After Hospitalization for COPD Exacerbation

BACKGROUND

Guidelines recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) after hospitalization for an exacerbation of COPD, but few patients enroll in PR. We explored whether density of PR programs explained regional variation and racial disparities in receipt of PR.

METHODS

We used Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services data from 223,832 Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for COPD during 2012 who were eligible for PR postdischarge. We used Hospital-Referral Regions (HRR) as the unit of analysis. For each HRR, we calculated the density of PR programs as a measure of program access and estimated risk-standardized rates of PR within 6 months of discharge overall, and for non-Hispanic, white, and black beneficiaries. We used linear regression to examine the relationship between access to PR and HRR PR rates. We tested for racial disparity in PR rates among non-Hispanic white and black beneficiaries living in the same HRRs.

RESULTS

Across 306 HRRs, the median number of PR programs per 1,000 Medicare beneficiaries was 0.06 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.04-0.10). Risk-standardized rates of PR ranged from 0.53% to 6.67% (median, 1.93%). Density of PR programs was positively associated with PR rates overall and among non-Hispanic white beneficiaries (P < .001), but this relationship was not observed among black beneficiaries. Rates were higher among non-Hispanic white beneficiaries (median, 2.08%; IQR, 1.54%-2.87%) compared with black beneficiaries (median, 1.19%; IQR, 1.15%-1.20%).

CONCLUSIONS

Greater PR program density was associated with higher rates of PR for non-Hispanic white but not black beneficiaries. Further research is needed to identify reasons for this discrepancy and strategies to increase receipt of PR for black patients.

Depression predicts emergency care use in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a large cohort study in primary care

Background: Depression is common in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been associated with a variety of poor outcomes. A large proportion of health care costs in the UK are spent on emergency care. This study examined the prospective relationship between depression and use of emergency care in patients with COPD managed in primary care.

Methods: This was a twelve-month, prospective longitudinal study of 355 patients with COPD in six primary care practices in the UK. Baseline measures included demographic characteristics, depression and anxiety, severity of COPD, presence or absence of other chronic diseases, and prior use of emergency care. Outcome measures were (a) number of emergency department (ED) visits; or (b) an emergency hospital admission in the follow-up year.

Results: Older age, number of comorbid physical health conditions, severity of COPD, prior use of emergency care, and depression were all independently associated with both ED attendance and an emergency hospital admission in the follow-up year. Subthreshold depression (HADS depression score 4–7) was associated with a 2.8 times increased odds of emergency hospital admission, and HADS depression >8 was associated with 4.8 times increased odds.

Conclusion: Depression is a predictor of emergency care in COPD, independent of severity of disease or physical comorbidity. Even mild (subthreshold) symptoms of depression more than double the risk of using emergency care, suggesting there is a strong case to develop and deploy integrated preventive strategies in primary care that can promote mental health in people with COPD.

COPD: Rethinking Patient Management - How to Approach a Challenging Patient Group Successfully

In comparison to other chronically ill people, patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have many additional difficulties to face and conquer. Due to the contribution of avoidable causes of their illness ("smokers' lung"), society holds people with COPD responsible for their disease, which in return often leads to stigmatization and social isolation. In addition, COPD patients commonly belong to a less privileged social class, own a low socioeconomic status, and lower education. Their physical symptoms are easily observable and - by employing moderate adherence - treatable. Nonetheless, the influence of COPD on a patient's psyche often plays an overly prominent role during therapy. "There is only half a patient laying on the examination table," a revelation that sums up the current state of COPD research and the result of the expert meeting "Luftschlösser" ("castles in the clouds"), which took place in spring 2018. Within the limits of the meeting, participants identified practically applicable approaches aiming to enhance the patient management of this challenging patient group. These considerations are supposed to support healthcare professionals in their daily work and aim to improve the therapy as well as the outcome for COPD patients.

Sleep Disorders and Adherence to Inhalation Therapy in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Sleep disorders are common in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are associated with greater disease severity, more frequent exacerbations, greater use of emergency health care, and higher mortality. They may contribute to worsening of COPD course by reducing patients' adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of sleep in COPD patients and to assess the relationship between impaired sleep and adherence to inhalation therapy. The study included 106 COPD patients who were asked to answer the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Adherence to Refills and Medications Scale (ARMS). Clinical and demographic data were also collected. We found that over 60% of patients presented with sleep disorders (PSQI ≥5) and 75% with daytime sleepiness. None of the patients presented with optimal adherence to pharmacotherapy. Worse adherence was correlated with greater sleep disorders (r = 0.56; p < 0.001). ARMS questionnaire proved to be of high overall internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85). In conclusion, poor quality of sleep coexists with poor adherence to treatment among COPD patients. ARMS was proved to be a reliable tool for the assessment of adherence. Interventions aimed at improving sleep quality may be helpful to improve adherence to inhalation therapy in COPD patients.

Participation in Pulmonary Rehabilitation after Hospitalization for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease among Medicare Beneficiaries

RATIONALE

Current guidelines recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) after hospitalization for a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, but little is known about its adoption or factors associated with participation.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate receipt of PR after a hospitalization for COPD exacerbation among Medicare beneficiaries and identify individual- and hospital-level predictors of PR receipt and adherence.

METHODS

We identified individuals hospitalized for COPD during 2012 and recorded receipt, timing, and number of PR visits. We used generalized estimating equation models to identify factors associated with initiation of PR within 6 months of discharge and examined factors associated with number of PR sessions completed.

RESULTS

Of 223,832 individuals hospitalized for COPD, 4,225 (1.9%) received PR within 6 months of their index hospitalization, and 6,111 (2.7%) did so within 12 months. Median time from discharge until first PR session was 95 days (interquartile range, 44-190 d), and median number of sessions completed was 16 (interquartile range, 6-25). The strongest factor associated with initiating PR within 6 months was prior home oxygen use (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-1.59). Individuals aged 75-84 years and those aged 85 years and older (respectively, OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.66-0.75; and OR, 0.25; 95% CI 0.22-0.28), those living over 10 miles from a PR facility (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.39-0.46), and those with lower socioeconomic status (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.38-0.46) were less likely to receive PR.

CONCLUSIONS

Two years after Medicare began providing coverage for PR, participation rates after hospitalization were extremely low. This highlights the need for strategies to increase participation.

Patient Profile of Drop-Outs From a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

INTRODUCTION

While the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PR) in COPD have been demonstrated, poor adherence, related with worse clinical outcomes, is common.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine causes for drop-out during a 12-week multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program and to investigate the characteristics of patients with poor adherence, with special emphasis on functional and clinical characteristics.

METHOD

A prospective study was performed between February and November 2015in 83 COPD patients enrolled in an outpatient program of 36 strength +resistance training sessions. Ambulances were provided to facilitate access to the clinic. Patients were divided into: adherent (A) (attended at least 70% of the program) or non-adherent (NA) (at least one session).

RESULTS

A total of 83 patients were evaluated and 26 excluded; 15.7% refused to participate. The drop-out rate was 38.5%. The main causes were low motivation and transport problems. Lower forced vital capacity (NA, 58.9% vs A, 67.8%; P=.03), worse results on submaximal exercise test (NA, 6.2minutes vs A, 9.2minutes; P=.02), in total distance walked (NA, 42.6 vs A, 56.5; P=.03) and VO₂ in ml/min/kg (NA, 11.4 vs A, 13.6; P=.03) and in ml/min (NA, 839 vs A, 1020; P=.04) were found in the non-adherent group. This group also showed higher use of oral steroids (NA, 23.8% vs A, 2.9%; P=.01).

CONCLUSIONS

More than 1/3 of patients leave programs. The main causes are related to motivation and transport. The patients who dropout are those with worse functional tests, more exacerbations, steroids and smoking habit.

Effect of Baseline Anxiety and Depression Symptoms on Selected Outcomes Following Pulmonary Rehabilitation

PURPOSE

Anxiety and depression are prevalent comorbidities in people with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). This study sought to quantify the influence of varying degrees of anxiety and depression on functional performance and disease impact in a population with CRDs following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) intervention.

METHODS

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) were assessed pre- and post-PR. Participants were categorized into 3 groups (None, Probable, and Present) based on their level of anxiety and depression. Functional performance and disease impact outcomes were compared pre- and post-PR.

RESULTS

Patients consisted of a total of 134 program completers (72 males, 62 females; mean age = 67.8 years). Significant improvements in functional performance with regard to 6MWT scores were observed across all groups postintervention (P < .05). The Present group, in both the anxiety and depression domains, failed to reach a minimally clinically important difference postintervention. The Probable and Present groups achieved a significant improvement in CAT scores postintervention (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that symptoms of anxiety and depression in people with CRDs were significantly related to lower exercise tolerance levels and higher levels of disease impact. People with increased levels of anxiety and depression have the potential to significantly improve disease impact outcomes post-PR. The results demonstrated that the detection and treatment of anxiety and depression symptoms in people with CRDs are likely to be clinically important.

Chronic respiratory disease and high altitude are associated with depressive symptoms in four diverse settings

SETTING

Depression is a prevalent comorbidity of chronic respiratory disease (CRD), and may indicate worse clinical outcomes. The relationship between depression and living with chronic hypoxia due to CRD or residence at altitude has received little attention in resource-poor settings.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between CRD conditions and depressive symptoms in four settings in Peru.

DESIGN

We collected data on CRD and depressive symptoms in adults aged ⩾35 years. Depressive symptoms were measured according to the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the adjusted odds of being in a higher category of depressive symptoms as a function of CRD.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 2953 participants (mean age 55.3 years, 49% male). The prevalence of major depressive symptoms was 19%, with significant variation according to setting. Participants with at least one CRD (OR 1.34, 95%CI 1.06-1.69) and those living at altitude (OR 1.64, 95%CI 1.10-2.43) had an increased adjusted odds of being in a higher category of depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSION

We found a high prevalence of depressive symptoms, and a positive association between depressive symptoms with CRD and with living at altitude, both of which cause chronic hypoxia.

Social Determinants of Adherence to Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Adherence to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is low. Previous studies have focused on clinical predictors of PR completion. We aimed to identify social determinants of adherence to PR. A cross-sectional analysis of a database of COPD patients (N = 455) in an outpatient PR program was performed. Adherence, a ratio of attended-to-prescribed sessions, was coded as low (<35%), moderate (35-85%), and high (>85%). Individual-level measures included age, sex, race, BMI, smoking status, pack-years, baseline 6-minute walk distance (6MWD: <150, 150-249, ≥250), co-morbidities, depression, and prescribed PR sessions (≤20, 21-30, >30). Fifteen area-level measures aggregated to Census tracts were obtained from the U.S. Census after geocoding patients' addresses. Using exploratory factor analysis, a neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage index was constructed, which included variables with factor loading >0.5: poverty, public assistance, households without vehicles, cost burden, unemployment, and minority population. Multivariate regression models were adjusted for clustering on Census tracts. Twenty-six percent of patients had low adherence, 23% were moderately adherent, 51% were highly adherent. In the best fitted full model, each decile increase in neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage increased the risk of moderate vs high adherence by 14% (p < 0.01). Smoking tripled the relative risk of low adherence (p < 0.01), while each increase in 6MWD category decreased that risk by 72% (p < 0.01) and 84% (p < 0.001), respectively. These findings show that, relative to high adherence, low adherence is associated with limited functional capacity and current smoking, while moderate adherence is associated with socioeconomic disadvantage. The distinction highlights different pathways to suboptimal adherence and calls for tailored intervention approaches.

Pulmonary rehabilitation: Uptake and completion profile of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background/Aims:

Pulmonary rehabilitation is effective in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients; however, 33% of patients referred for pulmonary rehabilitation do not start the programme. This study examines the relationship between participation in outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation and baseline measures of disease severity and psychosocial variables in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

Methods:

In an observational study and before their first outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation appointment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients completed outcome measures of depression (Brief Assessment Depression Card), social support (Duke Social Support Index), multidimensional health locus of control and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity (Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale). Data on attendance at the pulmonary rehabilitation appointments were obtained from the pulmonary rehabilitation register.

Results:

A total of 51 patients (mean age 77.2 years, male=20), completed the study. Results indicated that the if the patient has depression, there was a moderate, but statistically significant association (P=0.02) with the uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation. There was no significant correlation between uptake status and any of the domains of multidimensional health locus of control, Duke Social Support Index or Medical Research Council dyspnea score (P>0.005).

Conclusion:

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and depression are less likely to take up a referral to pulmonary rehabilitation compared to those without depression. Social support, multidimensional health locus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity does not have a relationship with the uptake or completion of outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation.

Effect of Yoga Breathing (Pranayama) on Exercise Tolerance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary rehabilitation improves exercise tolerance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, many patients do not have access to pulmonary rehabilitation programs. We hypothesized that an alternative to pulmonary rehabilitation to improve exercise tolerance is the practice of pranayama, or yoga breathing, which could be done independently at home. We also sought to determine whether yoga nonprofessionals could adequately teach pranayama to patients.

DESIGN

Proof-of-concept, randomized, double-blind, controlled pilot trial.

SETTINGS/LOCATION

Two academic pulmonary practices.

SUBJECTS

Forty-three patients with symptomatic, moderate-to-severe COPD.

INTERVENTIONS

Twelve weeks of pranayama plus education versus education alone. Two yoga professionals trained the research coordinators to conduct all pranayama teaching and monitored the quality of the teaching and the practice of pranayama by study participants.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was a change in the 6-min walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes included changes in lung function, markers of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, and measures of dyspnea and quality of life.

RESULTS

The 6MWD increased in the pranayama group (least square mean [95% confidence interval] = 28 m [-5 to 61]) and decreased in the control group (-15 m [-47 to 16]), with a nearly significant treatment effect (p = 0.06) in favor of pranayama. Pranayama also resulted in small improvements in inspiratory capacity and air trapping. Both groups had significant improvements in various measures of symptoms, but no overall differences in respiratory system impedance or markers of oxidative stress or systemic inflammation.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study successfully demonstrated that pranayama was associated with improved exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. Lay personnel were able to adequately teach patients to practice pranayama. These results suggest that pranayama may have significant clinical benefits for symptomatic patients with COPD, a concept that needs to be confirmed in future, larger clinical trials.

Effect of a Motivational Interviewing-Based Health Coaching on Quality of Life in Subjects With COPD

BACKGROUND

Improving quality of life (QOL) is a key goal in the care of patients with COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has clearly been shown to improve QOL, but is not accessible to many eligible patients. There is a need for alternative programs designed to improve patient well-being that are accessible to all patients with COPD. Our goal was to pilot test a simple, telephone-based health-coaching intervention that was recently shown to decrease readmission among hospitalized COPD patients and stable COPD patients eligible for PR.

METHODS

Subjects received a 3-month intervention consisting of 10 health-coaching telephone calls based on motivational interviewing principles. Outcome measures included dyspnea level, measured by the modified Medical Research Council scale, and QOL, measured by the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire and a single-item general self-rated health status.

RESULTS

Fifty subjects with moderate to severe COPD were enrolled in the study. Forty-four subjects (86%) completed the study intervention. Dyspnea measured by the modified Medical Research Council score improved significantly after the intervention (P = .002). The domains of fatigue, emotional function, and mastery on the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire and the single-item QOL question also improved significantly after the 3 months of health coaching (P = .001, P = .001, P = .007, and P = .03, respectively). Thirty-six (71%) subjects had a clinically meaningful improvement in at least 1 study end point (either in the severity of dyspnea or a domain of QOL). Thirty subjects (58%) had an improvement of ≥0.5 points, the minimum clinically important difference in at least 1 component of the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

A telephone-delivered motivational interviewing-based coaching program for COPD patients is a feasible, well-accepted (by both participants and providers), simple, and novel intervention to improve the well-being of patients with COPD. This pilot study provides insight into a possible alternative to a conventional PR program for patients with limited access to that program.

Lung volume reduction surgery for diffuse emphysema

BACKGROUND

Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) performed to treat patients with severe diffuse emphysema was reintroduced in the nineties. Lung volume reduction surgery aims to resect damaged emphysematous lung tissue, thereby increasing elastic properties of the lung. This treatment is hypothesised to improve long-term daily functioning and quality of life, although it may be costly and may be associated with risks of morbidity and mortality. Ten years have passed since the last version of this review was prepared, prompting us to perform an update.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to gather all available evidence from randomised controlled trials comparing the effectiveness of lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) versus non-surgical standard therapy in improving health outcomes for patients with severe diffuse emphysema. Secondary objectives included determining which subgroup of patients benefit from LVRS and for which patients LVRS is contraindicated, to establish the postoperative complications of LVRS and its morbidity and mortality, to determine which surgical approaches for LVRS are most effective and to calculate the cost-effectiveness of LVRS.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified RCTs by using the Cochrane Airways Group Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) register, in addition to the online clinical trials registers. Searches are current to April 2016.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs that studied the safety and efficacy of LVRS in participants with diffuse emphysema. We excluded studies that investigated giant or bullous emphysema.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two independent review authors assessed trials for inclusion and extracted data. When possible, we combined data from more than one study in a meta-analysis using RevMan 5 software.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified two new studies (89 participants) in this updated review. A total of 11 studies (1760 participants) met the entry criteria of the review, one of which accounted for 68% of recruited participants. The quality of evidence ranged from low to moderate owing to an unclear risk of bias across many studies, lack of blinding and low participant numbers for some outcomes. Eight of the studies compared LVRS versus standard medical care, one compared two closure techniques (stapling vs laser ablation), one looked at the effect of buttressing the staple line on the effectiveness of LVRS and one compared traditional 'resectional' LVRS with a non-resectional surgical approach. Participants completed a mandatory course of pulmonary rehabilitation/physical training before the procedure commenced. Short-term mortality was higher for LVRS (odds ratio (OR) 6.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.22 to 11.79; 1489 participants; five studies; moderate-quality evidence) than for control, but long-term mortality favoured LVRS (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.95; 1280 participants; two studies; moderate-quality evidence). Participants identified post hoc as being at high risk of death from surgery were those with particularly impaired lung function, poor diffusing capacity and/or homogenous emphysema. Participants with upper lobe-predominant emphysema and low baseline exercise capacity showed the most favourable outcomes related to mortality, as investigators reported no significant differences in early mortality between participants treated with LVRS and those in the control group (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.23 to 3.29; 290 participants; one study), as well as significantly lower mortality at the end of follow-up for LVRS compared with control (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.78; 290 participants; one study). Trials in this review furthermore provided evidence of low to moderate quality showing that improvements in lung function parameters other than forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), quality of life and exercise capacity were more likely with LVRS than with usual follow-up. Adverse events were more common with LVRS than with control, specifically the occurrence of (persistent) air leaks, pulmonary morbidity (e.g. pneumonia) and cardiovascular morbidity. Although LVRS leads to an increase in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), the procedure is relatively costly overall.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Lung volume reduction surgery, an effective treatment for selected patients with severe emphysema, may lead to better health status and lung function outcomes, specifically for patients who have upper lobe-predominant emphysema with low exercise capacity, but the procedure is associated with risks of early mortality and adverse events.

A Patient-Centered Walking Program for COPD

Background: Pulmonary rehabilitation programs improve dyspnea and health status associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but benefits wane when patients return to a sedentary lifestyle. This study tested a simple, low-resource, low-cost home walking program. Methods: In this single center, 3-month study, 115 COPD patients were randomized to a control cohort or a goal setting cohort. Each patient met with study staff and received 5 telephone calls at 2-week intervals. During these contacts, the Goal group was assisted by a wellness coach who helped them set personal activity goals. All patients wore a pedometer to record daily steps, the primary study outcome. Results: Over the 12-week interval, the average step-per-days was 36% higher for the Goal cohort patients (Week 12 mean = 4390) than for Control patients (mean = 3790). No group differences emerged on the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, the COPD Assessment Test, or the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Secondary analyses indicated that even patients with greater disease severity, including those with an mMRC score >2 or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁) % predicted below 50%, increased their walking relative to Control patients. Almost half (48%) of Goal patients successfully reached at least one personal goal such as increasing stamina and activity, or decreasing shortness of breath or weight. Conclusions: A relatively low-resource wellness coaching, goal-setting intervention resulted in a small improvement in the activity level of COPD patients over a 12-week period including those with marked pulmonary impairment. Further investigation should be directed at understanding the optimal blend of in person and remote coaching needed to produce the greatest cost-to-benefit ratio.

Community-based pulmonary rehabilitation in a non-healthcare facility is feasible and effective

Pulmonary rehabilitation programs (PRPs) are most commonly provided in hospital settings which present barriers to attendance such as long distances or travel times. Community-based settings have been used in an attempt to alleviate the travel burden. This study evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of a network of community-based PRPs provided in non-healthcare facilities (CPRPs). The CPRPs were established in five venues and comprised two supervised group sessions each week for 8 weeks. Participant inclusion criteria and guidelines for exercise testing and training were developed to reduce the risk of adverse events. Outcome measures included 6-min walk distance (6MWD) and health-related quality of life (chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ)). Respiratory-related hospital admission data were collected in the 12 months prior to and following the program. Two hundred and fifty-one participants (79% with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: mean ± SD FEV₁ 49 ± 21%predicted) entered a CPRP of which 166 (66%) completed. Improvements were demonstrated in 6MWD (mean difference (95% CI) 44 m (37-52)) and total CRQ score (0.5 points per item (0.4-0.7)). Fewer participants had a respiratory-related hospital admission following the program (12% vs. 37%, p < 0.0001). Pulmonary rehabilitation is safe, feasible and effective when conducted in community-based non-healthcare facilities.

Determinants of successful completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD

Background

Despite known benefits, a significant proportion of patients with COPD do not complete pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Little is known regarding which factors promote successful completion of PR.

Methods

We analyzed data from a prospectively maintained database of subjects with COPD who attended a PR program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, from 1996 to 2013. Subjects were categorized as either completers or non-completers, based on successful completion of at least 8 weeks of PR. Demographics and comorbidities were recorded. Short Form 36 Health Survey, Beck Depression Inventory-II, and San Diego Shortness of Breath Questionnaire were administered to all participants at baseline and on completion of PR to assess participants’ perception of their health status, severity of depression, and dyspnea with performance of activities of daily living. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of successful completion of PR.

Results

Four hundred and forty subjects were included, of whom 229 completed PR. Forty-one percent were female, and 17% were African American. Compared with non-completers, completers had greater Short Form 36 Health Survey pain score, lower forced expiratory volume in the first second, and lower Beck Depression Inventory score, and included a lower percentage of current smokers. On multivariate analysis, cigarette smoking at enrollment was associated with lower likelihood of completion of PR (adjusted odds ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.16–0.90; P=0.02).

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking was the sole independent predictor of PR dropout, and smoking cessation may warrant greater emphasis prior to enrollment.

Supported self-management for patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): an evidence synthesis and economic analysis

BACKGROUND

Self-management (SM) support for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is variable in its coverage, content, method and timing of delivery. There is insufficient evidence for which SM interventions are the most effective and cost-effective.

OBJECTIVES

To undertake (1) a systematic review of the evidence for the effectiveness of SM interventions commencing within 6 weeks of hospital discharge for an exacerbation for COPD (review 1); (2) a systematic review of the qualitative evidence about patient satisfaction, acceptance and barriers to SM interventions (review 2); (3) a systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of SM support interventions within 6 weeks of hospital discharge for an exacerbation of COPD (review 3); (4) a cost-effectiveness analysis and economic model of post-exacerbation SM support compared with usual care (UC) (economic model); and (5) a wider systematic review of the evidence of the effectiveness of SM support, including interventions (such as pulmonary rehabilitation) in which there are significant components of SM, to identify which components are the most important in reducing exacerbations, hospital admissions/readmissions and improving quality of life (review 4).

METHODS

The following electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2012: MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Science Citation Index [Institute of Scientific Information (ISI)]. Subject-specific databases were also searched: PEDro physiotherapy evidence database, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Airways Group Register of Trials. Ongoing studies were sourced through the metaRegister of Current Controlled Trials, International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number database, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. Specialist abstract and conference proceedings were sourced through ISI's Conference Proceedings Citation Index and British Library's Electronic Table of Contents (Zetoc). Hand-searching through European Respiratory Society, the American Thoracic Society and British Thoracic Society conference proceedings from 2010 to 2012 was also undertaken, and selected websites were also examined. Title, abstracts and full texts of potentially relevant studies were scanned by two independent reviewers. Primary studies were included if ≈90% of the population had COPD, the majority were of at least moderate severity and reported on any intervention that included a SM component or package. Accepted study designs and outcomes differed between the reviews. Risk of bias for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to combine studies where appropriate. A Markov model, taking a 30-year time horizon, compared a SM intervention immediately following a hospital admission for an acute exacerbation with UC. Incremental costs and quality-adjusted life-years were calculated, with sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

From 13,355 abstracts, 10 RCTs were included for review 1, one study each for reviews 2 and 3, and 174 RCTs for review 4. Available studies were heterogeneous and many were of poor quality. Meta-analysis identified no evidence of benefit of post-discharge SM support on admissions [hazard ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 1.17], mortality (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.54) and most other health outcomes. A modest improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was identified but this was possibly biased due to high loss to follow-up. The economic model was speculative due to uncertainty in impact on readmissions. Compared with UC, post-discharge SM support (delivered within 6 weeks of discharge) was more costly and resulted in better outcomes (£683 cost difference and 0.0831 QALY gain). Studies assessing the effect of individual components were few but only exercise significantly improved HRQoL (3-month St George's Respiratory Questionnaire 4.87, 95% CI 3.96 to 5.79). Multicomponent interventions produced an improved HRQoL compared with UC (mean difference 6.50, 95% CI 3.62 to 9.39, at 3 months). Results were consistent with a potential reduction in admissions. Interventions with more enhanced care from health-care professionals improved HRQoL and reduced admissions at 1-year follow-up. Interventions that included supervised or unsupervised structured exercise resulted in significant and clinically important improvements in HRQoL up to 6 months.

LIMITATIONS

This review was based on a comprehensive search strategy that should have identified most of the relevant studies. The main limitations result from the heterogeneity of studies available and widespread problems with their design and reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

There was little evidence of benefit of providing SM support to patients shortly after discharge from hospital, although effects observed were consistent with possible improvement in HRQoL and reduction in hospital admissions. It was not easy to tease out the most effective components of SM support packages, although interventions containing exercise seemed the most effective. Future work should include qualitative studies to explore barriers and facilitators to SM post exacerbation and novel approaches to affect behaviour change, tailored to the individual and their circumstances. Any new trials should be properly designed and conducted, with special attention to reducing loss to follow-up. Individual participant data meta-analysis may help to identify the most effective components of SM interventions.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42011001588.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

Association of Psychological Disorders With 30-Day Readmission Rates in Patients With COPD

BACKGROUND

There is a growing understanding of the prevalence and impact of psychological disorders on COPD. However, the role of these disorders in early readmission is unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 5% fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries diagnosed with COPD (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code, 491.xx, 492.xx, 493.xx, and 496.xx) between 2001 and 2011 who were hospitalized with a primary discharge diagnosis of COPD or a primary discharge diagnosis of respiratory failure (518.xx and 799.1) with secondary diagnosis of COPD. We hypothesized that such psychological disorders as depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse are independently associated with an increased risk of 30-day readmission in patients hospitalized for COPD.

RESULTS

Between 2001 and 2011, 135,498 hospitalizations occurred for COPD in 80,088 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries. Of these, 30,218 (22.30%) patients had one or more psychological disorders. In multivariate analyses, odds of 30-day readmission were higher in patients with COPD who had depression (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.29-1.39), anxiety (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.37-1.50), psychosis (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.10-1.27), alcohol abuse (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.15-1.47), and drug abuse (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.11-1.50) compared with those who did not have these disorders. These psychological disorders increased amount of variation in 30-day readmission attributed to patient characteristics by 37%.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological disorders like depression, anxiety, psychosis, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse are independently associated with higher all-cause 30-day readmission rates for Medicare beneficiaries with COPD.

Why Do Patients with COPD Decline Rehabilitation

AIM

This paper aimed to suggest possible answers to the question: Why do patients with COPD decline pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)?

METHOD

The study is a metasynthesis inspired by Noblit of the existing qualitative research on the area. The data were collected during 2014. Six studies were found through a systematic literature search in relevant databases. In these six studies, 65 persons were identified as decliners of PR. Four themes were identified from these studies.

RESULTS

The themes identified were as follows: the referral process, transport problems, perception of health and other obligations or priorities. The problems with the referral of patients relate to different areas: the referring health professional's conviction and commitment, and the patients' understanding of the referral. It seems that various transport problems cause decline, for example long distance to the PR centre or the expenses of getting back and forth. Perceptions of health cause decline. Decliners feel too sick to join PR or do not identify themselves as a sick person, and do not want undertake the 'patient role'. Other obligations or priorities such as work, family obligations and vacations are prioritised on behalf of PR causing decline.

CONCLUSION

The studies included show patients' rational accounts and reflections on declining PR. The included studies tend to describe accounts for deselection of PR in relation to the preferences and beliefs of the patients rather than including the social and economic variables framing the behaviour and choices of the patients.

Long-term Exercise After Pulmonary Rehabilitation (LEAP): Design and rationale of a randomized controlled trial of Tai Chi

BACKGROUND

Persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have reduced exercise capacity and levels of physical activity. Supervised, facility-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs improve exercise capacity and reduce dyspnea, but novel long-term strategies are needed to maintain the benefits gained. Mind-body modalities such as Tai Chi which combine aerobic activity, coordination of breathing, and cognitive techniques that alleviate the physical inactivity, dyspnea, and anxiety and depression that are the hallmarks of COPD are promising strategies.

METHODS/DESIGN

We have designed a randomized controlled study to examine whether Tai Chi will maintain exercise capacity in persons with COPD who have recently completed a supervised pulmonary rehabilitation program, compared to standard care. The primary outcome is 6-min walk test distance at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life, dyspnea, mood, occurrence of acute exacerbations, engagement in physical activity, exercise self-efficacy, and exercise adherence. Simultaneously, we are conducting a pilot study of group walking. We will enroll 90 persons who will be randomized to one of three arms in a 2:2:1 ratio: Tai Chi, standard care, or group-based walking.

DISCUSSION

The Long-term Exercise After Pulmonary Rehabilitation (LEAP) study is a novel and clinically relevant trial. We will enroll a well-characterized cohort of persons with COPD and will comprehensively assess physiological and psychosocial outcomes. Results of this study will provide the evidence base for persons with COPD to engage in Tai Chi as a low-cost, long-term modality to sustain physical activity in persons who have completed a standard short-term pulmonary rehabilitation program.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered in Clinical Trials.gov, with the ID number of NCT01998724.

Hospital management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often complicated by episodes of acute worsening of respiratory symptoms, which may lead to escalation of therapy and occasionally emergency department visits and hospitalization. Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) have a negative impact on quality of life and hasten the decline of lung function. They also significantly contribute to the direct and indirect healthcare costs of this disease. Severe exacerbations (those leading to hospital admission) have been associated with significant poor outcomes including an increased risk of readmissions and mortality. COPD is currently the fourth leading cause of hospital readmission in the United States. In this review, we will provide a broad overview on the etiology, assessment, management, discharge planning, and follow-up care of patients hospitalized with AECOPD.

Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Widespread application of pulmonary rehabilitation (also known as respiratory rehabilitation) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be preceded by demonstrable improvements in function (health-related quality of life, functional and maximal exercise capacity) attributable to the programmes. This review updates the review reported in 2006.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation versus usual care on health-related quality of life and functional and maximal exercise capacity in persons with COPD.

SEARCH METHODS

We identified additional randomised controlled trials (RCTs) from the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register. Searches were current as of March 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We selected RCTs of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD in which health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and/or functional (FEC) or maximal (MEC) exercise capacity were measured. We defined 'pulmonary rehabilitation' as exercise training for at least four weeks with or without education and/or psychological support. We defined 'usual care' as conventional care in which the control group was not given education or any form of additional intervention. We considered participants in the following situations to be in receipt of usual care: only verbal advice was given without additional education; and medication was altered or optimised to what was considered best practice at the start of the trial for all participants.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We calculated mean differences (MDs) using a random-effects model. We requested missing data from the authors of the primary study. We used standard methods as recommended by The Cochrane Collaboration.

MAIN RESULTS

Along with the 31 RCTs included in the previous version (2006), we included 34 additional RCTs in this update, resulting in a total of 65 RCTs involving 3822 participants for inclusion in the meta-analysis.We noted no significant demographic differences at baseline between members of the intervention group and those who received usual care. For the pulmonary rehabilitation group, the mean forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) was 39.2% predicted, and for the usual care group 36.4%; mean age was 62.4 years and 62.5 years, respectively. The gender mix in both groups was around two males for each female. A total of 41 of the pulmonary rehabilitation programmes were hospital based (inpatient or outpatient), 23 were community based (at community centres or in individual homes) and one study had both a hospital component and a community component. Most programmes were of 12 weeks' or eight weeks' duration with an overall range of four weeks to 52 weeks.The nature of the intervention made it impossible for investigators to blind participants or those delivering the programme. In addition, it was unclear from most early studies whether allocation concealment was undertaken; along with the high attrition rates reported by several studies, this impacted the overall risk of bias.We found statistically significant improvement for all included outcomes. In four important domains of quality of life (QoL) (Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) scores for dyspnoea, fatigue, emotional function and mastery), the effect was larger than the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 0.5 units (dyspnoea: MD 0.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 1.03; N = 1283; studies = 19; moderate-quality evidence; fatigue: MD 0.68, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.92; N = 1291; studies = 19; low-quality evidence; emotional function: MD 0.56, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.78; N = 1291; studies = 19; mastery: MD 0.71, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.95; N = 1212; studies = 19; low-quality evidence). Statistically significant improvements were noted in all domains of the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and improvement in total score was better than 4 units (MD -6.89, 95% CI -9.26 to -4.52; N = 1146; studies = 19; low-quality evidence). Sensitivity analysis using the trials at lower risk of bias yielded a similar estimate of the treatment effect (MD -5.15, 95% CI -7.95 to -2.36; N = 572; studies = 7).Both functional exercise and maximal exercise showed statistically significant improvement. Researchers reported an increase in maximal exercise capacity (mean Wmax (W)) in participants allocated to pulmonary rehabilitation compared with usual care (MD 6.77, 95% CI 1.89 to 11.65; N = 779; studies = 16). The common effect size exceeded the MCID (4 watts) proposed by Puhan 2011(b). In relation to functional exercise capacity, the six-minute walk distance mean treatment effect was greater than the threshold of clinical significance (MD 43.93, 95% CI 32.64 to 55.21; participants = 1879; studies = 38).The subgroup analysis, which compared hospital-based programmes versus community-based programmes, provided evidence of a significant difference in treatment effect between subgroups for all domains of the CRQ, with higher mean values, on average, in the hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation group than in the community-based group. The SGRQ did not reveal this difference. Subgroup analysis performed to look at the complexity of the pulmonary rehabilitation programme provided no evidence of a significant difference in treatment effect between subgroups that received exercise only and those that received exercise combined with more complex interventions. However, both subgroup analyses could be confounded and should be interpreted with caution.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary rehabilitation relieves dyspnoea and fatigue, improves emotional function and enhances the sense of control that individuals have over their condition. These improvements are moderately large and clinically significant. Rehabilitation serves as an important component of the management of COPD and is beneficial in improving health-related quality of life and exercise capacity. It is our opinion that additional RCTs comparing pulmonary rehabilitation and conventional care in COPD are not warranted. Future research studies should focus on identifying which components of pulmonary rehabilitation are essential, its ideal length and location, the degree of supervision and intensity of training required and how long treatment effects persist. This endeavour is important in the light of the new subgroup analysis, which showed a difference in treatment effect on the CRQ between hospital-based and community-based programmes but no difference between exercise only and more complex pulmonary rehabilitation programmes.

Depressed mood predicts pulmonary rehabilitation completion among women, but not men

BACKGROUND

As many as 30% of patients who start pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) fail to complete it, and depressed mood has been associated with PR non-completion. Depression is more common in women than men with COPD and historically women with COPD have been under studied. However, no studies to date have investigated gender-specific predictors of PR completion.

METHODS

The study included 111 patients with COPD who enrolled in a community based outpatient PR program in Providence, RI. Patients who attended 20 or more sessions were designated "completers". Depression was measured using the CES-D. Logistic regression models were evaluated to test depressed mood as a predictor of PR completion. Analyses controlled for demographic and health variables found to differ between completers and non-completers.

RESULTS

Patients were 95% white and 49.5% women, and 74% had a GOLD stage ≥3. Sixty-eight percent of patients were PR completers. A logistic regression model, showed that lower depressed mood independently predicted PR completion across all patients (adjusted OR = 0.92, p = .002). In gender-stratified analyses, lower depressed mood was an independent predictor of PR completion for women (adjusted OR = .91, p = .024) but not men (adjusted OR = .97, p = .45). Greater 6-min walk test distance was also an independent predictor of PR completion among women.

CONCLUSION

Depressed mood is an important predictor of completion of community based PR among women. Screening and brief treatment of depression should be considered in practice.

'Consumed by breathing' - a critical interpretive meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature

OBJECTIVE

To derive an improved understanding of how patients respond to, appraise, and understand the experience of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via a critical interpretive meta-synthesis.

METHODS

Search terms - Exacerbate* OR hospital* AND 'Chronic obstructive' OR emphysema OR bronchitis AND interview* OR qualitative. Inclusion criteria - Primary research published in English of patients' experiences of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data extraction and synthesis - eight papers were identified. Data were extracted by three researchers and constructs elicited via reciprocal translational analysis.

FINDINGS

Themes reflected two domains of understanding an acute exacerbation: (1) Acute effect - encompassing intense emotions, somatic awareness and patients need for rescue. (2) Sustained regulation - reflecting life as interrupted, ongoing beliefs and behaviour and help-seeking.

DISCUSSION

Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease result in heightened patient arousal, vigilance and powerlessness in response to symptoms. Ongoing, psychological interventions which promote partnership working by both acknowledging patients fear and shaping their appraisals may mitigate distress, enhancing the impact of health messages and engagement in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Bidirectional associations between clinically relevant depression or anxiety and COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The longitudinal associations between depression or anxiety and COPD, and their comorbid effect on prognosis, have not been adequately addressed by previous reviews. We aimed to systematically assess these associations to inform guidelines and practice.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases for articles published before May 2012. Longitudinal studies in adult populations that reported an association between clinically relevant depression or anxiety and COPD, or that reported their comorbid effect on exacerbation and/or mortality, were eligible. Risk ratios (RRs) were pooled across studies using random-effects models and were verified using fixed-effects models. Heterogeneity was explored with subgroup and metaregression analyses.

RESULTS

Twenty-two citations yielded 16 studies on depression or anxiety as predictors of COPD outcomes (incident COPD/chronic lung disease or exacerbation) and/or mortality, in 28,759 participants followed for 1 to 8 years, and six studies on COPD as a predictor of depression in 7,439,159 participants followed for 1 to 35 years. Depression or anxiety consistently increased the risk of COPD outcomes (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.22-1.68), particularly in higher-quality studies and in people aged ≤ 66 years. Comorbid depression increased the risk of mortality (RR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.00-3.36), particularly in men. Anxiety (or psychologic distress) increased the risk of COPD outcomes/mortality in most studies (RR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02-1.58). Finally, COPD consistently increased the risk of depression (RR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.45-1.96).

CONCLUSIONS

Depression and anxiety adversely affect prognosis in COPD, conferring an increased risk of exacerbation and possibly death. Conversely, COPD increases the risk of developing depression. These bidirectional associations suggest potential usefulness of screening for these disease combinations to direct timely therapeutic intervention.

An official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: key concepts and advances in pulmonary rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognized as a core component of the management of individuals with chronic respiratory disease. Since the 2006 American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) Statement on Pulmonary Rehabilitation, there has been considerable growth in our knowledge of its efficacy and scope.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Statement is to update the 2006 document, including a new definition of pulmonary rehabilitation and highlighting key concepts and major advances in the field.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary committee of experts representing the ATS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assembly and the ERS Scientific Group 01.02, "Rehabilitation and Chronic Care," determined the overall scope of this update through group consensus. Focused literature reviews in key topic areas were conducted by committee members with relevant clinical and scientific expertise. The final content of this Statement was agreed on by all members.

RESULTS

An updated definition of pulmonary rehabilitation is proposed. New data are presented on the science and application of pulmonary rehabilitation, including its effectiveness in acutely ill individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and in individuals with other chronic respiratory diseases. The important role of pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic disease management is highlighted. In addition, the role of health behavior change in optimizing and maintaining benefits is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The considerable growth in the science and application of pulmonary rehabilitation since 2006 adds further support for its efficacy in a wide range of individuals with chronic respiratory disease.

Reasons persons with COPD do not walk and relationship with daily step count

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is significantly reduced in persons with COPD. Assessing reasons why persons with COPD do not engage in PA can guide development of effective interventions to promote PA.

METHODS

We queried 102 participants with stable COPD about disease-related and general reasons why they do not walk more. The StepWatch Activity Monitor (Orthocare Innovations, Mountlake Terrace, WA, USA) assessed daily step count, a direct measure of PA. Regression models assessed daily step count by response categories, adjusting for age and FEV1 % predicted.

RESULTS

Subjects had mean age 72 ± 8 years and mean FEV1 1.48 ± 0.55 L (52 ± 19% predicted). COPD-related worries of becoming short of breath (SOB), needing to use inhalers, or oxygen level becoming low were endorsed by 31, 14, and 12 subjects, respectively. Controlling for age and FEV1% predicted, those who worried about becoming SOB walked an average of 1,329 fewer steps per day than those who did not worry (p = 0.020). Those who worried about needing to use inhalers walked an average of 1,806 fewer steps per day than those who did not worry (p = 0.016). Subjects who were the most motivated and confident walked significantly more than those who were the least motivated and confident.

CONCLUSIONS

Presence of COPD-related reasons and lower motivation and confidence are associated with lower daily step count. Management of dyspnea and education about medication use during exercise, and strategies to increase motivation and confidence could facilitate walking in COPD.

Benefits and costs of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - a multi-centre randomised controlled equivalence trial

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation is widely advocated for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to improve exercise capacity, symptoms and quality of life, however only a minority of individuals with COPD are able to participate. Travel and transport are frequently cited as barriers to uptake of centre-based programs. Other models of pulmonary rehabilitation, including home-based programs, have been proposed in order to improve access to this important treatment. Previous studies of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD have demonstrated improvement in exercise capacity and quality of life, but not all elements of the program were conducted in the home environment. It is uncertain whether a pulmonary rehabilitation program delivered in its entirety at home is cost effective and equally capable of producing benefits in exercise capacity, symptoms and quality of life as a hospital-based program. The aim of this study is to compare the costs and benefits of home-based and hospital-based pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD.

METHODS/DESIGN

This randomised, controlled, equivalence trial conducted at two centres will recruit 166 individuals with spirometrically confirmed COPD. Participants will be randomly allocated to hospital-based or home-based pulmonary rehabilitation. Hospital programs will follow the traditional outpatient model consisting of twice weekly supervised exercise training and education for eight weeks. Home-based programs will involve one home visit followed by seven weekly telephone calls, using a motivational interviewing approach to enhance exercise participation and facilitate self management. The primary outcome is change in 6-minute walk distance immediately following intervention. Measurements of exercise capacity, physical activity, symptoms and quality of life will be taken at baseline, immediately following the intervention and at 12 months, by a blinded assessor. Completion rates will be compared between programs. Direct healthcare costs and indirect (patient-related) costs will be measured to compare the cost-effectiveness of each program.

DISCUSSION

This trial will identify whether home-based pulmonary rehabilitation can deliver equivalent benefits to centre-based pulmonary rehabilitation in a cost effective manner. The results of this study will contribute new knowledge regarding alternative models of pulmonary rehabilitation and will inform pulmonary rehabilitation guidelines for COPD.