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Fiore M, Ricci M, Rosso A, Flacco ME, Manzoli L. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Overdiagnosis and Overtreatment: A Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6978. [PMID: 38002593 PMCID: PMC10672453 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12226978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
This meta-analysis of observational studies aimed at estimating the overall prevalence of overdiagnosis and overtreatment in subjects with a clinical diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). MedLine, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched, and random-effect meta-analyses of proportions were stratified by spirometry criteria (Global Initiative for COPD (GOLD) or Lower Limit of Normal (LLN)), and setting (hospital or primary care). Forty-two studies were included. Combining the data from 39 datasets, including a total of 23,765 subjects, the pooled prevalence of COPD overdiagnosis, according to the GOLD definition, was 42.0% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 37.3-46.8%). The pooled prevalence according to the LLN definition was 48.2% (40.6-55.9%). The overdiagnosis rate was higher in primary care than in hospital settings. Fourteen studies, including a total of 8183 individuals, were included in the meta-analysis estimating the prevalence of COPD overtreatment. The pooled rates of overtreatment according to GOLD and LLN definitions were 57.1% (40.9-72.6%) and 36.3% (17.8-57.2%), respectively. When spirometry is not used, a large proportion of patients are erroneously diagnosed with COPD. Approximately half of them are also incorrectly treated, with potential adverse effects and a massive inefficiency of resources allocation. Strategies to increase the compliance to current guidelines on COPD diagnosis are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fiore
- Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (M.R.)
| | - Matteo Ricci
- Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (M.R.)
| | - Annalisa Rosso
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.R.); (M.E.F.)
| | - Maria Elena Flacco
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (A.R.); (M.E.F.)
| | - Lamberto Manzoli
- Section of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (M.F.); (M.R.)
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Munir M, Setiawan H, Awaludin R, Kett VL. Aerosolised micro and nanoparticle: formulation and delivery method for lung imaging. Clin Transl Imaging 2023; 11:33-50. [PMID: 36196096 PMCID: PMC9521863 DOI: 10.1007/s40336-022-00527-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The application of contrast and tracing agents is essential for lung imaging, as indicated by the wide use in recent decades and the discovery of various new contrast and tracing agents. Different aerosol production and pulmonary administration methods have been developed to improve lung imaging quality. This review details and discusses the ideal characteristics of aerosol administered via pulmonary delivery for lung imaging and the methods for the production and pulmonary administration of dry or liquid aerosol. Methods We explored several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, while preparing this review to discover and obtain the abstracts, reports, review articles, and research papers related to aerosol delivery for lung imaging and the formulation and pulmonary delivery method of dry and liquid aerosol. The search terms used were "dry aerosol delivery", "liquid aerosol delivery", "MRI for lung imaging", "CT scan for lung imaging", "SPECT for lung imaging", "PET for lung imaging", "magnetic particle imaging", "dry powder inhalation", "nebuliser", and "pressurised metered-dose inhaler". Results Through the literature review, we found that the critical considerations in aerosol delivery for lung imaging are appropriate lung deposition of inhaled aerosol and avoiding toxicity. The important tracing agent was also found to be Technetium-99m (99mTc), Gallium-68 (68Ga) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION), while the essential contrast agents are gold, iodine, silver gadolinium, iron and manganese-based particles. The pulmonary delivery of such tracing and contrast agents can be performed using dry formulation (graphite ablation, spark ignition and spray dried powder) and liquid aerosol (nebulisation, pressurised metered-dose inhalation and air spray). Conclusion A dual-imaging modality with the combination of different tracing or contrast agents is a future development of aerosolised micro and nanoparticles for lung imaging to improve diagnosis success. Graphical abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Miftakul Munir
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, South Tangerang, 15345 Indonesia
| | - Herlan Setiawan
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, South Tangerang, 15345 Indonesia
| | - Rohadi Awaludin
- Research Center for Radioisotope Radiopharmaceutical and Biodosimetry Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency, South Tangerang, 15345 Indonesia
| | - Vicky L. Kett
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL UK
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Wang C, Siff J, Greco PJ, Warren E, Thornton JD, Tarabichi Y. The Impact of an Electronic Health Record Intervention on Spirometry Completion in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD 2022; 19:142-148. [PMID: 35392743 PMCID: PMC9202241 DOI: 10.1080/15412555.2022.2049736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Spirometry is necessary to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), yet a large proportion of patients are diagnosed and treated without having received testing. This study explored whether the effects of interventions using the electronic health record (EHR) to target patients diagnosed with COPD without confirmatory spirometry impacted the incidence rates of spirometry referrals and completions. This retrospective before and after study assessed the impact of provider-facing clinical decision support that identified patients who had a diagnosis of COPD but had not received spirometry. Spirometry referrals, completions, and results were ascertained 1.5 years prior to and 1.5 years after the interventions were initiated. Inhaler prescriptions by class were also tallied. There were 10,949 unique patients with a diagnosis of COPD who were eligible for inclusion. 4,895 patients (44.7%) were excluded because they had completed spirometry prior to the cohort start dates. The pre-intervention cohort consisted of 2,622 patients, while the post-intervention cohort had 3,392. Spirometry referral rates pre-intervention were 20.2% compared to 31.6% post-intervention (p < 0.001). Spirometry completion rates rose from 13.2% pre-intervention to 19.3% afterwards (p < 0.001). 61.7% (585 of 948) had no evidence of airflow obstruction. After excluding patients with a diagnosis of asthma, 25.8% (126 of 488) patients who had no evidence of airflow obstruction had prescriptions for long-acting bronchodilators or inhaled steroids. A concerted EHR intervention modestly increased spirometry referral and completion rates in patients with a diagnosis of COPD without prior spirometry and decreased misclassification of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wang
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jonathan Siff
- Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
- The Population Health Research Institute, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Peter J. Greco
- Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
- The Population Health Research Institute, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Edward Warren
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - J. Daryl Thornton
- The Population Health Research Institute, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for Reducing Health Disparities, The MetroHealth Campus of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yasir Tarabichi
- Center for Clinical Informatics Research and Education, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
- The Population Health Research Institute, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Strong J, Weems L, Burgon T, Branch J, Martin J, Paculdo D, Tamondong-Lachica D, Cruz J, Peabody J. Initiative to Improve Evidence-Based Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hospitalist Care Using a Novel On-Line Gamification Patient Simulation Tool: A Prospective Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:1267. [PMID: 34682947 PMCID: PMC8535603 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9101267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Much of the disease burden comes from exacerbations requiring hospitalization. Unwarranted care variation and divergence from evidence-based COPD management guidelines among hospitalists is a leading driver of the poor outcomes and excess costs associated with COPD-related hospitalizations. We engaged with Novant Health hospitalists to determine if measurement and feedback using fixed-choice simulated patients improves evidence-based care delivery and reduces costs. We created a series of gamified acute-care COPD case simulations with real-time feedback over 16 weeks then performed a year-over-year analytic comparison of the cost, length of stay (LOS), and revisits over the six months prior to the introduction of the simulated patients, the four months while caring for the simulated patients, and the six months after. In total, 245 hospitalists from 15 facilities at Novant Health participated. At baseline, the overall quality-of-care was measured as 58.4% + 12.3%, with providers correctly identifying COPD exacerbation in 92.4% of cases but only identifying the grade and group in 61.9% and 49.5% of cases, respectively. By the study end, the quality-of-care had improved 10.5% (p < 0.001), including improvements in identifying the grade (+9.7%, p = 0.044) and group (+8.4%, p = 0.098). These improvements correlated with changes in real-world performance data, including a 19% reduction in COPD-related pharmacy costs. Overall, the annualized impact of COPD improvements led to 233 fewer inpatient days, 371 fewer revisit days, and inpatient savings totaling nearly $1 million. Engaging practicing providers with patient simulation-based serial measurements and gamified evidence-based feedback potentially reduces inpatient costs while simultaneously reducing patient LOS and revisit rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Strong
- Novant Health, 2085 Frontis Plaza Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27103, USA; (J.S.); (L.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Larry Weems
- Novant Health, 2085 Frontis Plaza Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27103, USA; (J.S.); (L.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Trever Burgon
- QURE Healthcare, 450 Pacific Ave, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA; (T.B.); (D.P.); (D.T.-L.); (J.C.)
| | - Jeremy Branch
- Novant Health, 2085 Frontis Plaza Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27103, USA; (J.S.); (L.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.)
| | - Jenny Martin
- Novant Health, 2085 Frontis Plaza Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27103, USA; (J.S.); (L.W.); (J.B.); (J.M.)
| | - David Paculdo
- QURE Healthcare, 450 Pacific Ave, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA; (T.B.); (D.P.); (D.T.-L.); (J.C.)
| | - Diana Tamondong-Lachica
- QURE Healthcare, 450 Pacific Ave, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA; (T.B.); (D.P.); (D.T.-L.); (J.C.)
- College of Medicine, University of the Philippines, Manila, Metro Manila 1000, Philippines
| | - Jamielyn Cruz
- QURE Healthcare, 450 Pacific Ave, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA; (T.B.); (D.P.); (D.T.-L.); (J.C.)
| | - John Peabody
- QURE Healthcare, 450 Pacific Ave, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA; (T.B.); (D.P.); (D.T.-L.); (J.C.)
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Gogou E, Kotsiou OS, Siachpazidou DS, Pinaka M, Varsamas C, Bardaka F, Gerogianni I, Hatzoglou C, Gourgoulianis KI. Underestimation of respiratory symptoms by smokers: a thorn in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2021; 31:14. [PMID: 33712602 PMCID: PMC7955112 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-021-00226-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary care centers are ideal positions to identify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We determined the COPD prevalence among ever-smokers aged 40-65 years attending a 2-year program conducted in 22 Greek primary healthcare centers and made comparisons between genders, patients less than or greater than 55 years, and newly or previously diagnosed COPD patients. A total of 117 persons, after studying 1100 people, were diagnosed with previously unknown or known COPD, providing a COPD prevalence of 10.6% among the study population. In all, 7.5% of the participants were newly diagnosed with COPD. Women with COPD reported smoking less but experienced worse respiratory and depressive symptoms than men. A total of 19% of the COPD population below 55 years experienced wheezing and exacerbations more frequently than older patients. Newly diagnosed COPD patients were significantly younger, reported a significant burden of symptoms without seeking medical help. Primary health care has a crucial role in the early detection of COPD among unsuspecting smokers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evdoxia Gogou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Ourania S Kotsiou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Dimitra S Siachpazidou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria Pinaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Charalampos Varsamas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Fotini Bardaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Irini Gerogianni
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Chrysi Hatzoglou
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
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O'Halloran L, Purcell A, Ryan E, O'Doherty J, Troddyn L, Slepanek M, O'Driscoll N, O'Reilly O, Stassen P, Bennett SA, O'Connor R. A snapshot of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management in general practice in Ireland. Ir J Med Sci 2020; 190:1055-1061. [PMID: 33216315 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-020-02435-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death and disability. Its diagnosis, classification and management are complex. There is a paucity of data on the standard of COPD management in Irish general practice. AIMS We studied whether COPD diagnosis and management was in accordance with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. We investigated if patients who were smokers had received smoking cessation advice. We examined whether influenza and pneumococcal vaccination had been given. METHODS Ten general practices affiliated with the Irish Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice (GP) were searched, to determine which patients had a diagnosis of COPD. A data-collection audit tool was developed using GOLD 2019 guidelines. Results were tabulated in SPSS. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS Of 482 patients studied, 91.7% were eligible for free GP care. In 49.4%, the diagnosis of COPD had been made appropriately. In 56.2%, there was no evidence that the stage of COPD had been formally assessed. Of the patients studied, 33.2% were deemed to be receiving appropriate therapy. Smoking status was documented in 99.6% of cases studied and 59.9% were ex-smokers, while 25.9% were current smokers. Appropriate smoking cessation advice had been offered to 71% of eligible patients. Influenza vaccine had been given to 66.2% in the previous 12 months. A total of 53.9% had ever received pneumococcal vaccination. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a comprehensive snapshot of care in Irish general practice for patients with COPD prior to introduction of the Chronic Disease Management programme (CDM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam O'Halloran
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Amy Purcell
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eoin Ryan
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jane O'Doherty
- Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Louise Troddyn
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Martin Slepanek
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Neil O'Driscoll
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Orlaith O'Reilly
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Paul Stassen
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Sarah Anne Bennett
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Raymond O'Connor
- Mid-West Specialist Training Programme in General Practice, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
- Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Plassey, Limerick, Ireland
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Gaveikaite V, Grundstrom C, Winter S, Schonenberg H, Isomursu M, Chouvarda I, Maglaveras N. Challenges and opportunities for telehealth in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative case study in Greece. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2020; 20:216. [PMID: 32912224 PMCID: PMC7488260 DOI: 10.1186/s12911-020-01221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telehealth (TH) was introduced as a promising tool to support integrated care for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It aims at improving self-management and providing remote support for continuous disease management. However, it is often not clear how TH-supported services fit into existing pathways for COPD management. The objective of this study is to uncover where TH can successfully contribute to providing care for COPD patients exemplified in a Greek care pathway. The secondary objective is to identify what conditions need to be considered for successful implementation of TH services. METHODS Building on a single case study, we used a two-phase approach to identify areas in a Greek COPD care pathway where care services that are recommended in clinical guidelines are currently not implemented (challenges) and areas that are not explicitly recommended in the guidelines but that would benefit from TH services (opportunities). In phase I, we used the care delivery value chain framework to identify the divergence between the clinical guidelines and the actual practice captured by a survey with COPD healthcare professionals. In phase II, we conducted in-depth interviews with the same healthcare professionals based on the discovered divergences. The responses were analyzed with respect to identified opportunities for TH and care pathway challenges. RESULTS Our results reveal insights in two areas. First, several areas with challenges were identified: patient education, self-management, medication adherence, physical activity, and comorbidity management. TH opportunities were perceived as offering better bi-directional communication and a tool for reassuring patients. Second, considering the identified challenges and opportunities together with other case context details a set of conditions was extracted that should be fulfilled to implement TH successfully. CONCLUSIONS The results of this case study provide detailed insights into a care pathway for COPD in Greece. Addressing the identified challenges and opportunities in this pathway is crucial for adopting and implementing service innovations. Therefore, this study contributes to a better understanding of requirements for the successful implementation of integrated TH services in the field of COPD management. Consequently, it may encourage healthcare professionals to implement TH-supported services as part of routine COPD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violeta Gaveikaite
- Laboratory of Computer Science, Medical Informatics and Biomedical Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Department of Collaborative Care Solutions, Philips Research, High Tech Campus 34, 5656AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Casandra Grundstrom
- M3S, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu, Pentii Kaiteran katu 1, 8000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Stefan Winter
- Department of Collaborative Care Solutions, Philips Research, Pauwelsstraße, 17 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Helen Schonenberg
- Department of Collaborative Care Solutions, Philips Research, High Tech Campus 34, 5656AE, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Minna Isomursu
- M3S, Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu, Pentii Kaiteran katu 1, 8000, FI-90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ioanna Chouvarda
- Laboratory of Computer Science, Medical Informatics and Biomedical Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nicos Maglaveras
- Laboratory of Computer Science, Medical Informatics and Biomedical Imaging Technologies, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of IEMS,McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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Roy MP. Socio-demographic factors of COPD mortality in India. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2020.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Pulmonologists Adherence to the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease GOLD Guidelines: A Goal to Improve. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 56:medicina56090422. [PMID: 32825456 PMCID: PMC7558424 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56090422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Data about pulmonologist adherence to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines showed a great variability and cannot be extrapolated. The present study investigates the current pharmacological prescribing practices in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to the 2017 GOLD guidelines, to determine the level of pulmonologist adherence and to identify possible factors that influence physician adherence. Materials and methods: This retrospective study took place between 1 February and 30 April 2018 in Pneumophtysiology Clinical Hospital Cluj-Napoca. We included 348 stable COPD outpatients classified according to the 2017 GOLD strategy in the ABCD risk groups. Pulmonologist adherence was defined as appropriate if the recommended pharmacological therapy was the first- or alternative-choice drug according to the guidelines, and inappropriate (overtreatment, undertreatment) if it was not in line with these recommendations. Results: The most prescribed treatment was the combination long-acting beta agonist (LABA) + long-acting antimuscarinic agent (LAMA) (34.77%), followed by LAMA + LABA + inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). Overall, pneumologist adherence was 79.02%. The most inappropriate therapies were in Group B (33.57%), followed by 33.33% in Group A. Compared to Groups C and D (analyzed together), Groups A and B had a 4.65 times higher chance (p = 0.0000001) of receiving an inappropriate therapy. Patients with cardiovascular comorbidities had a 1.89 times higher risk of receiving an inappropriate therapy (p = 0.021). ICS overprescription was the most common type of inappropriateness (17.81%). Groups C and D had a 3.12 times higher chance of being prescribed ICS compared to Groups A and B (p = 0.0000004). Conclusions: Pulmonologist adherence to the GOLD guidelines is not optimal and needs to be improved. Among the factors that influence the inappropriateness of COPD treatments, cardiovascular comorbidities and low-risk Groups A and B are important. ICS represent the most prescribed overtreatment. Further multicentric studies are needed to evaluate all factors that might influence the adherence rate.
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Adherence of North-African Pulmonologists to the 2017-Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Pharmacological Treatment Guidelines (PTGs) of Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:1031845. [PMID: 32190644 PMCID: PMC7066397 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1031845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background No previous study has investigated the adherence rate of North-African pulmonologists to the 2017-GOLD PTGs. Aims To investigate the adherence rate of Tunisian pulmonologists to the 2017-GOLD PTGs and to identify the barriers to their adherence. Methods This was a cohort study involving clinically stable COPD patients who presented to a pulmonology outpatient consultation. The patients were classified as having been appropriately and inappropriately (over- or undertreatment) treated for the GOLD group. Logistic regression was performed to determine the adherence barriers to the 2017-GOLD PTGs. Results A total of 296 patients were included (88.1% males, mean age: 68 ± 10 years; GOLD A (7.1%), B (36.1%), C (4.1%), and D (52.7%)). The pulmonologists' adherence rate to the 2017-GOLD PTGs was 29.7%. There was a significant statistical difference between the adherence rates among the four GOLD groups (A: 19.0%, B: 20.6%, C: 8.3%, and D: 39.1%; p = 0.001). Differences were statistically significant between the GOLD group D and groups B (p = 0.001). Differences were statistically significant between the GOLD group D and groups B (p = 0.001). Differences were statistically significant between the GOLD group D and groups B (. Conclusion The adherence rate of Tunisian pulmonologists to the 2017-GOLD PTGs is low. It seems that the patients' age, socioeconomic level, national health insurance coverage, and GOLD groups influenced their adherence.
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COPD overdiagnosis in primary care: a UK observational study of consistency of airflow obstruction. NPJ Prim Care Respir Med 2019; 29:33. [PMID: 31417094 PMCID: PMC6695394 DOI: 10.1038/s41533-019-0145-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is heterogeneous, but persistent airflow obstruction (AFO) is fundamental to diagnosis. We studied AFO consistency from initial diagnosis and explored factors associated with absent or inconsistent AFO. This was a retrospective observational study using patient-anonymised routine individual data in Care and Health Information Analytics (CHIA) database. Identifying a prevalent COPD cohort based on diagnostic codes in primary care records, we used serial ratios of forced expiratory volume in 1 s to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC%) from time of initial COPD diagnosis to assign patients to one of three AFO categories, according to whether all (persistent), some (variable) or none (absent) were <70%. We described respiratory prescriptions over 3 years (2011-2013) and used multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds of absent or variable AFO and potential predictors. We identified 14,378 patients with diagnosed COPD (mean ± SD age 68.8 ± 10.7 years), median (IQR) COPD duration of 60 (25,103) months. FEV1/FVC% was recorded in 12,491 (86.9%) patients: median (IQR) 5 (3, 7) measurements. Six thousand five hundred and fifty (52.4%) had persistent AFO, 4507 (36.1%) variable AFO and 1434 (11.5%) absent AFO. Being female, never smoking, having higher BMI or more comorbidities significantly predicted absent and variable AFO. Despite absent AFO, 57% received long-acting bronchodilators and 60% inhaled corticosteroids (50% and 49%, respectively, in those without asthma). In all, 13.1% of patients diagnosed with COPD had unrecorded FEV1/FVC%; 11.5% had absent AFO on repeated measurements, yet many received inhalers likely to be ineffective. Such prescribing is not evidence based and the true cause of symptoms may have been missed.
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Thomas ET, Glasziou P, Dobler CC. Use of the terms "overdiagnosis" and "misdiagnosis" in the COPD literature: a rapid review. Breathe (Sheff) 2019; 15:e8-e19. [PMID: 31031840 PMCID: PMC6481986 DOI: 10.1183/20734735.0354-2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Challenges in the diagnostic process of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can result in diagnostic misclassifications, including overdiagnosis. The term "overdiagnosis" in general has been associated with variable definitions. In connection with efforts to reduce low-value care, "overdiagnosis" has been defined as a true positive diagnosis of a condition that is not associated with any harm in the diagnosed person. It is, however, unclear how the term "overdiagnosis" is used in the COPD literature. We conducted a rapid review of the literature to explore how the terms "overdiagnosis" and "misdiagnosis" are used in the context of COPD. Electronic searches of Medline were conducted from inception to October 2018, to identify primary studies that reported on over- and/or misdiagnosis of COPD using these terms. 28 articles were included in this review. Overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in COPD were found to be used to describe five main concepts: 1) physician COPD diagnosis despite normal spirometry (14 studies); 2) discordant results for COPD diagnosis based on different spirometry-based definitions for airflow obstruction (10 studies); 3) COPD diagnosis based on pre-bronchodilator spirometry results (three studies); 4) comorbidities (e.g. heart failure or asthma) that affect spirometry and have clinical features which overlap with COPD (two studies); and 5) normalisation of abnormal (post-bronchodilator) spirometry at follow-up (one study). The terms "overdiagnosis" and "misdiagnosis" were often used interchangeably and almost always referred to a false positive diagnosis. Performing (technically correct) spirometry with correct interpretation of the results could probably reduce misdiagnosis in a large proportion of the misdiagnosed cases of COPD. In addition, guidelines need to provide a more acceptable consensus spirometric definition of airflow obstruction. Key points In the COPD literature, the terms "overdiagnosis" and "misdiagnosis" are often used interchangeably and almost always refer to a false positive diagnosis.Use of spirometry with correct interpretation of the results can avoid a substantial proportion of cases of misdiagnosis of COPD. Educational aims To explore the use of the terms "overdiagnosis" and "misdiagnosis" in the COPD literature.To identify the main sources of overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Thomas
- Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Australia.,Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Australia
| | - Paul Glasziou
- Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Australia
| | - Claudia C Dobler
- Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Australia.,Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, Australia.,Evidence-Based Practice Center, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Diab N, Gershon AS, Sin DD, Tan WC, Bourbeau J, Boulet LP, Aaron SD. Underdiagnosis and Overdiagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2018; 198:1130-1139. [DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201804-0621ci] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nermin Diab
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea S. Gershon
- Department of Medicine, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Don D. Sin
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wan C. Tan
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jean Bourbeau
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; and
| | | | - Shawn D. Aaron
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Heffler E, Crimi C, Mancuso S, Campisi R, Puggioni F, Brussino L, Crimi N. Misdiagnosis of asthma and COPD and underuse of spirometry in primary care unselected patients. Respir Med 2018; 142:48-52. [PMID: 30170801 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) consists of a combination of classical symptoms and signs, and the evidence of consistent lung function abnormalities. Spiromety has been reported to be underused, possibly for practical difficulties in accessing to a lung function lab. This may lead to misdiagnosis of both asthma and COPD. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of spirometry use and the concordance between doctor-diagnosed asthma and COPD and spirometric patterns, in an unselected cohort of patients sent by general practitioners to perform a spirometry. METHODS The first 300 patients consecutively enrolled patients performed spirometry and bronchodilator test with salbutamol 400 mcg. Demographic, clinical and lung function data have been collected. RESULTS 128 patients (42.7%) declared a doctor-diagnosed asthma and 75 (25%) a doctor-diagnosis of COPD; the remaining subjects never had received any respiratory diagnosis. Only 112 patients with doctor-diagnosed asthma (55.2%) and 114 (56.2%) with doctor-diagnosed COPD have ever performed a spirometry in their entire life (average time since the last spirometry was about 47.0 months). Eighty-nine (69.5%) and 10 (13.3%) patients with respectively doctor-diagnosed asthma and COPD had concordant spirometric patterns with their known diseases. DISCUSSION we described a worrying lack of use of spirometry and a high proportion of misdiagnosis, in patients with suspect chronic airway inflammatory diseases and cared by primary care physicians. Novel strategies to overcome this situation include should be implemented to give a better care to our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Heffler
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy.
| | - Claudia Crimi
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Mancuso
- Ricerca & Respiro ONLUS, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaele Campisi
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy; Ricerca & Respiro ONLUS, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesca Puggioni
- Personalized Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Alessandro Manzoni 56, Rozzano, MI, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy
| | - Luisa Brussino
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Torino, AO "Ordine Mauriziano Umberto I", Corso Turati 62, Torino, Italy
| | - Nunzio Crimi
- Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, University of Catania, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy; Ricerca & Respiro ONLUS, AOU Policlinico "Vittorio Emanuele", Via Santa Sofia 78, Catania, Italy
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Pu CY, Quesada N, Nunez Lopez R, Aryal K, Tulaimat A. The clinical implications of tests confirming COPD in subjects hospitalized with exacerbations. Hosp Pract (1995) 2018; 47:59-65. [PMID: 29757037 DOI: 10.1080/21548331.2018.1475998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The diagnosis of COPD in patients hospitalized for AECOPD can be confirmed by spirometry showing obstruction or radiographs showing emphysema. The evidence for COPD is sometimes absent or contradicts this diagnosis. The inaccurate attribution of the exacerbation to COPD can lead to suboptimal care and worse outcome. OBJECTIVES We determined if the presence of tests that confirm the diagnosis of COPD has any implications on the course of the hospitalization and readmission rate. METHODS We selected subjects hospitalized between 2012 and 2014 for AECOPD. We divided them into four hierarchical, mutually exclusive groups based on the presence of tests that confirm the diagnosis of COPD: spirometry (COPDSPIRO), radiology (COPDRAD), clinical diagnosis (COPDCLIN), and no COPD by spirometry (NotCOPD). We compared the presentation, hospital course, outcome, and readmission rate between the four groups. RESULTS We identified 974 subjects: COPDSPIRO 22%, COPDRAD 24%, COPDCLIN 46% and 7% NotCOPD. The vital signs, use of respiratory support, admission to the MICU, and length of stay were similar between the groups. The age, gender, BMI, presence of comorbidities, and readmission rate were different between the groups. The NotCOPD group had the highest BMI (38 kg/m2), comorbidities, and 30-day all-cause readmission (17%). Logistic regression showed that serum creatinine and presence of any comorbidity were the independent predictors of 30-day all-cause readmission. CONCLUSION COPD was confirmed by spirometry or radiographs in half of the subjects hospitalized for AECOPD. The presence of confirmation did not influence the hospital course. The presence of confirmation was associated with different readmission rate, but was accounted for by the presence of comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Yeu Pu
- a Department of Medicine , Cook County Health and Hospitals System , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Nancy Quesada
- b Division of Pulmonary , Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Cook County Health and Hospitals System , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Richard Nunez Lopez
- a Department of Medicine , Cook County Health and Hospitals System , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Karmapath Aryal
- a Department of Medicine , Cook County Health and Hospitals System , Chicago , Illinois , USA
| | - Aiman Tulaimat
- b Division of Pulmonary , Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Cook County Health and Hospitals System , Chicago , Illinois , USA
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Stafyla E, Kotsiou OS, Deskata K, Gourgoulianis KI. Missed diagnosis and overtreatment of COPD among smoking primary care population in Central Greece: old problems persist. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2018; 13:487-498. [PMID: 29440886 PMCID: PMC5804734 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s147628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The diagnosis of COPD is not always consistent with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) strategy in daily clinical practice, especially in primary care. This study aimed to estimate the overall COPD prevalence and severity, to identify differences between newly and previously diagnosed patients, and to evaluate the potential COPD overtreatment in a smoking population attending a primary care spirometry surveillance program. Methods A study was conducted in 10 primary health care centers of Central Greece during a 7-month period. Eligible participants were aged ≥40 years and were either current smokers or exsmokers. Results A total of 186 subjects were included (68% males, mean age 62.3±12.6 years, mean life-time tobacco exposure 50 pack-years). COPD prevalence was 17.8%, identified to be higher in elderly males. Forty-two percent of the COPD group were newly diagnosed patients, who were of younger age, current smokers, presented with less dyspnea and better health status, and mainly appeared with mild-to-moderate disease. Interestingly, 61.4% of non-COPD and 85.7% of newly diagnosed COPD individuals had been using inhaled medication under primary care provider's prescription without ever undergoing spirometry or further evaluation by a pulmonologist; thus, the phenomena of COPD overdiagnosis and missed diagnosis came into the spotlight. Moreover, only 26.3% of known COPD patients were properly medicated according to GOLD guidelines, while half of them were inappropriately treated with triple inhaled therapy. Conclusion We reported a significant prevalence of COPD in smoking population attending this spirometry program. A remarkable proportion of COPD patients were undiagnosed and made case finding worthwhile. Underutilization of spirometry in the diagnosis and management of COPD as well as general practitioners' nonadherence to the GOLD treatment guidelines was confirmed by our data. These findings highlight the need for a major overhaul and culture change in primary care settings of Central Greece.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Stafyla
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Ourania S Kotsiou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Konstantina Deskata
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
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Kotsiou OS, Zouridis S, Kosmopoulos M, Gourgoulianis KI. Impact of the financial crisis on COPD burden: Greece as a case study. Eur Respir Rev 2018; 27:27/147/170106. [PMID: 29367410 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0106-2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Poverty and low socioeconomic status have been associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The current financial crisis has forced millions back into poverty. Greece is one of the countries hit the hardest, and is in the middle of a deep ongoing collapse. There have been early reports stating the apparent effects of the Greek downturn on respiratory health. This review summarises the overall impact of the financial crisis on COPD burden throughout the period of economic downturn by analysing the case study of Greece. In all levels of the healthcare system, current economic restrictions have reduced the capacity to prevent, diagnose and treat COPD in parallel with current higher detection rates of COPD. Remarkably, expenditure on healthcare has been reduced by >25%, resulting in major healthcare equipment shortages. Lower wages (by up to 20%) and higher co-payments of up to 25% of a drug's purchase price have led to patients struggling to afford inhaled medications. Treatment nonadherence has been reported, resulting in 11.5% more exacerbations and 14.1% more hospitalisations annually, while the mean cost per severe COPD exacerbation has been approximated as €2600. Greece is a noteworthy example illustrating how COPD burden, quality of care and patients' outcome can be affected by economic crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ourania S Kotsiou
- Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, BIOPOLIS, Larissa, Greece
| | - Spyridon Zouridis
- Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens, Greece
| | - Marinos Kosmopoulos
- Faculty of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, Athens, Greece
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Stafyla E, Geitona M, Kerenidi T, Economou A, Daniil Z, Gourgoulianis KI. The annual direct costs of stable COPD in Greece. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2018; 13:309-315. [PMID: 29398912 PMCID: PMC5774741 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s148051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) places a major burden on health care systems and has substantial economic effects; however, the cost of stable disease in Greece has never been thoroughly explored. The objective of the study was to estimate the annual COPD patient cost during the maintenance phase and explore the relationships between the cost and disease severity. Methods Data were collected from 245 COPD patients (male: 231, mean age: 69.5±8.8 years) who visited the outpatient unit of University Hospital of Larissa in 2014 and 2015. Patients were classified according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines, and the patients’ direct cost during the maintenance phase was calculated. Results Eleven percent of COPD patients were stage I, 48.2% were stage II, 29% were stage III, and 11.8% were stage IV. According to the GOLD groups, 23.3% of patients were grade A, 15.5% were grade B, 22.9% were grade C, and 38.4% were grade D. The mean annual direct cost for stable disease was estimated at €1,034.55 per patient, of which €222.94 corresponded to out-of-pocket payments. The annual cost ranged from €408.23 to €2,041.89 depending on GOLD stages (I–IV) and from €550.01 to €1,480.00 depending on GOLD groups (A–D). The key cost driver was pharmaceutical treatment, which reflected almost 71% of the total expenses for the management of stable disease. The mean annual per-patient cost was two to three times higher for those with advanced disease (stages III–IV) compared to those with stages I–II disease, and it doubled for “high-risk” patients (groups C–D) compared to “low-risk” patients (groups A–B). Conclusion The cost of COPD during the maintenance phase is remarkable, with the key cost driver found to be pharmaceutical treatment and social insurance funds the key payer for treating COPD patients in Greece. The cost of stable disease is proportional to the severity of COPD, and it is doubled in patients who belong to high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Stafyla
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa
| | - Mary Geitona
- School of Social Sciences, University of Peloponnese, Corinth
| | - Theodora Kerenidi
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa
| | - Athina Economou
- Department of Economics, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
| | - Zoe Daniil
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa
| | - Konstantinos I Gourgoulianis
- Respiratory Medicine Department, University of Thessaly School of Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa
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