Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the long-term care setting: current practices, challenges, and unmet needs

Evaluation of a Digital COPD Education Program for Healthcare Professionals in Long-Term Care – A Mixed Methods Study

Background

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Lung Function Can Predict the Expected Inspiratory Airflow Rate through Dry Powder Inhalers in Asthmatic Adolescents

Several factors affect drug delivery from dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Some are related to patient’s physiological characteristics, while others depend on DPIs’ technical aspects. The patient’s inspiratory airflow rate (IAR) affects the pressure drop and the turbulence needed to disaggregate the powder inside a DPI. The present study investigated whether lung function limitations occurring in asthmatic adolescents affect their IAR when inhaling through a DPI simulator. Eighteen consecutive adolescents with asthma were recruited, and IAR was randomly assessed at low-, mid-, and high-resistance regimens. A multiple logistic model was developed to evaluate the association of patients’ lung function characteristics and devices’ resistance with the probability to achieve the expected IAR (E-IAR). The mean value of E-IAR achieved seemed to be sex- and age-independent. Low- and high-resistance regimens were less likely to consent the E-IAR level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.035 and OR = 0.004, respectively). Only the basal residual volume and the inspiratory resistance, but not the Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1), seemed to affect the extent of IAR in asthmatic adolescents (OR = 1.131 and OR = 0.290, respectively). The results suggest that the assessment of current lung function is crucial for choosing the proper DPI for asthmatic adolescents.

Development of MDS-Based Predication Model for COPD Severity in Nursing Home Residents

BACKGROUND

Assessing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) severity is challenging in nursing home (NH) residents due to incomplete symptom assessments and exacerbation history.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to predict COPD severity in NH residents using the Minimum Data Set (MDS), a clinical assessment of functional capabilities and health needs.

METHODS

A cohort analysis of prospectively collected longitudinal data was conducted. Residents from geographically varied Medicare-certified NHs with age ≥60 years, COPD diagnosis, and ≥6 months NH residence at enrollment were included. Residents with severe cognitive impairment were excluded. Demographic characteristics, medical history, and MDS variables were extracted from medical records. The care provider-completed COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and COPD exacerbation history were used to categorize residents by Global Initiative for Chronic Lung Disease (GOLD) A to D groups. Multivariate multinomial logit models mapped the MDS to GOLD A to D groups with stepwise selection of variables.

RESULTS

Nursing home residents (N = 175) were 64% women and had a mean age of 77.9 years. Among residents, GOLD B was most common (A = 13.1%; B = 44.0%; C = 5.7%; D = 37.1%). Any long-acting bronchodilator (LABD) use and any dyspnea were significant predictors of GOLD A to D groups. The predicted MDS-GOLD group (A = 6.9%; B = 52.6%; C = 4.6%; D = 36.0%) showed good model fit (correctly predicted = 60.6%). Nursing home residents may underuse group-recommended LABD treatment (no LABD: B = 53.2%; C = 80.0%; D = 40.0%).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

The MDS, completed routinely for US NH residents, could potentially be used to estimate COPD severity. Predicted COPD severity with additional validation could provide a map to evidence-based treatment guidelines and may help to individualize treatment pathways for NH residents.

A Systematic Review of Published Algorithms for Selecting an Inhaled Delivery System in COPD

RATIONALE

Medication for treatment of COPD is available in many different delivery systems; however, national and international guidelines do not provide recommendations on how to select the optimal system for an individual patient.

OBJECTIVES

To perform a systematic review of published algorithms for inhaler selection in out-patients with COPD.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were search for articles on inhaler selection published between January 1, 1990 and March 10, 2021. The results were reviewed for articles containing an algorithm for inhaler selection. The quality of publications containing an algorithm was assessed using the JBI SUMARI text and opinion critical appraisal checklist. Individual steps recommended in the algorithms and the order in which they were considered were extracted independently by the two authors using the JBI text and opinion data extraction tool. Textual syntheses and a table of factors included were used to appraise and compare algorithms.

RESULTS

The search identified 1016 publications. After removing duplicate studies (n = 409), 607 abstracts were examined. Nine different algorithms or hierarchical recommendations for device selection were identified. All nine publications were considered of good quality. Most algorithms contain only a few decision steps. There were significant differences between the algorithms. None of the algorithms have been validated. Three domains for factors included in the algorithms were identified: patient factors, device attributes, and HCP factors. Patient factors were considered most frequently (19 times) compared with device attributes (10 times) and HCP factors (7 times). Five specific attribute/factors with at least three rankings in different algorithms, were identified as key factors for device selection.

CONCLUSION

Although the algorithms generally provide step-by-step approaches based on a literature review and/or the experiences of the different authors, none were developed using item generation/reduction methodology nor included input from patients with COPD. There were considerable differences between the algorithms; however, the review identified key factors that should be considered by HCPs when selecting therapy. Registration: PROSPERO (CRD42021244475).

The contribution of patients' lung function to the inspiratory airflow rate achievable through a DPIs' simulator reproducing different intrinsic resistance rates

Background

The performance of DPIs depends on several physiological (patient-dependent) and technological (device-dependent) factors. The inspiratory airflow rate is the only active force generated and operating in the system for inducing the required pressure drop and eliciting the resistance-induced turbulence needed to disaggregate the powder through the device. The present study aimed to investigate in the most prevalent respiratory disorders whether and at what extent the inspiratory airflow rate achievable when inhaling through a DPIs’ simulator reproducing different intrinsic resistance regimens (low, mid, and high resistance) is affected by peculiar changes in lung function and/or can be predicted by any specific lung function parameter.

Methods

The inspiratory airflow rate was assessed in randomized order by the In-Check DIAL G16 at low, mid, and high resistance regimens in a sample of consecutive subjects at recruitment. Independent predictors of the probability to achieve the expected inhalation airflow rate were investigated by means of a multivariate logistic regression model, specific to the disease.

Results

A total of 114 subjects were recruited (asthmatics n=30; COPD n=50, restrictive patients n=16, and normal subjects n=18). The mean values of the expected inspiratory airflow rate achieved proved significantly different within the groups (p<0.0001), independently of sex and age. In asthmatics and in COPD patients, the mid-resistance regimen proved highly associated with the highest mean values of airflow rates obtained. Low- and high-resistance regimens were significantly less likely to consent to achieve the expected level of inspiratory airflow rate (OR<1 in all comparisons). Restrictive patients performed the lowest airflow rates at the low-resistance regimen (p<0.01). Unlike FEV¹, RV in asthmatics (OR=1.008); RV and I_Raw in COPD (OR=0.587 and OR=0.901, respectively), and FIF and TLC in restrictive patients (OR=1.041, and OR=0.962, respectively) proved the only sensitive predictors of the inspiratory airflow rate achievable at the different resistive regimens.

Conclusions

The intrinsic resistive regimen of DPIs can play a critical role. The patients’ lung function profile also affects the extent of their inhalation airflow rate. Some specific lung function parameters (such as: FIF; RV; I_Raw; TLC, but not FEV₁) may be regarded as specific predictors in real-life. In order to optimize the DPI choice, further to the device’s technology, also the current patients’ lung function should be properly investigated and carefully assessed.

Groping around in the dark for adequate COPD management: a qualitative study on experiences in long-term care

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common and deadliest chronic diseases worldwide. Since COPD is a chronic and progressive disease, treatment is necessary throughout life. For people with COPD who cannot live independently, long-term care facilities are often required. However, knowledge is very limited about aspects of importance for effective COPD management in these settings in accordance with current treatment guidelines.

The aim of this study was to explore aspects of importance in long-term care facilities for providing interventions according to treatment guidelines for people with COPD, from the perspective of healthcare professionals, in an effort to prove novel knowledge that could be used to facilitate implementation of treatment guidelines in these settings.

Methods

A qualitative study was performed in northern Sweden. In Sweden, municipalities are responsible for providing long-term care. Interviews with 36 healthcare professionals (nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and dieticians) in municipal healthcare were conducted and analysed using qualitative content analysis with triangulation by the authors.

Results

The overarching theme that emerged from the analysis was Groping around in the dark for adequate COPD management. This represents healthcare professionals’ experiences of working with a complex diagnosis somewhat overlooked in the municipal healthcare, an underdog in the healthcare system. The groping around in the dark theme further represents the healthcare professionals’ lack of COPD-related competence, lack of interprofessional collaboration, and insufficient communication with the county council. The fragile group of people with COPD and their relatives were considered in need of support adapted to their context, but routines and resources for COPD management were limited. This lack of routines and resources also resulted in professionals being pragmatic and adopting short-term solutions without focusing on specific needs related to the diagnosis.

Conclusions

The COPD management in long-term care settings showed several insufficiencies, indicating a large gap between clinical practice and treatment guidelines for COPD. It is crucial to improve COPD management in long-term care settings. Consequently, several actions are needed, such as increasing professional competence, establishing new routines, acknowledging and making COPD a higher priority, as well as adapting treatment guidelines to the context.

Patients' usability of seven most used dry-powder inhalers in COPD

Introduction

Inhalation devices affect both the effectiveness and the therapeutic outcomes in persistent airway obstruction, and the effects are largely independent of the drug(s) assumed. Usability is a complex and comprehensive indicator of inhalation devices’ performance. The Global Usability Score (GUS) Questionnaire is an investigational tool designed to assess objectively the patients’-related and unrelated domains of devices’ usability.

Methods

The GUS questionnaire was administered to all consecutive COPD patients referring for three months to the Lung Unit of CEMS Specialist Centre (Verona, Italy). The usability of seven Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) indicated as appropriate in COPD was tested and compared: Breezhaler, Diskus, Ellipta, Genuair, Nexthaler, Spiromax, and Turbohaler. Patients were divided in two groups, checked separately, according to their DPIs previous experience. A Bayesian Indirect Comparison (IC) model was built to assess “global usability” ranking.

Results

A total of 103 patients were investigated: 74 patients already instructed in DPI use and 29 naive to DPIs. IC analysis proved Ellipta as the device characterized by the highest usability, while Breezhaler the device with the lowest usability in both groups of COPD patients (both with probability > 90%). Moreover, Turbohaler ranked second according to the Bayesian pooling, followed by Diskus, Spiromax, Nexthaler, and Genuair in patients already instructed in DPI use, while the ranking order was not as much well defined in naïve patients, likely due to their too small sample.

Conclusions

Usability is a multifaceted indicator that contributes to assess the factual DPIs’ convenience in real life. DPIs are characterized by different levels of real-life usability, which can be checked, compared and ranked by means of the GUS score.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40248-019-0192-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.