Knowledge gaps in patients with COPD and their proxies

Motivation and preferences for learning of patients with COPD or asthma and their significant others in pulmonary rehabilitation: a qualitative study

Introduction

An in-depth understanding of educational needs from the perspective of learners in pulmonary rehabilitation is lacking. To improve learning in pulmonary rehabilitation, understanding of factors that induce or enhance intrinsic motivation in both patients and their significant others is needed. Therefore, this study aims to gain in-depth understanding of what motivates patients with COPD or asthma referred for pulmonary rehabilitation and their significant others to learn and what their preferences are for education.

Methods

For this qualitative study, a sample was taken from a previous quantitative study. Data was collected through one-time face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and independently analysed by two researchers using thematic analyses.

Results

Twelve patients and four significant others (56% female; age: 63±11 years) were interviewed. Participants expressed a variety of information needs and learning preferences. Subthemes that emerged within the theme of motivation for learning were: 1) curiosity, such as knowledge gaps and hope for new information; and 2) values and goals, such as own health, caring for loved ones and spending time with family.

Discussion

To enhance intrinsic motivation for learning within pulmonary rehabilitation, autonomy of individuals should be supported by offering several learning topics and education adapted to preferences, while curiosity should be fostered by targeting information needs. Moreover, health education programmes should match with the personal values and goals of individuals, such as own health, caring for loved ones and spending time with family.

[Development of two questionnaires for the assessment of knowledge and self-management in patients with chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)]

INTRODUCTION

As with other chronic diseases, the course of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be expected to be positively influenced if patients are well informed about their disease and undertake appropriate self-management. Assessments of the level of knowledge and management that are comparable should benefit from structured, systematically developed questionnaires. These, however, have not been published in Germany.

METHODS

A total of 310 patients with COPD were recruited from three pneumological practices and one hospital to develop the questionnaires. Based on statistical criteria and content assessments by medical specialists, two questionnaires on knowledge (17 questions) and self-management (25 questions) were developed by selecting and modifying questions from published studies and training programs. In addition, two short versions with 5 and 3 questions were created to enable a quick assessment of the patients' knowledge and self-management. All questionnaires also included a visual analogue scale for self-assessment of knowledge and self-management. The statistical procedures for systematically guided selection comprised correlation and regression analyses.

RESULTS

The questionnaires revealed considerable knowledge deficits in many patients and remarkably unsystematic, incoherent knowledge. The extent of this knowledge was negatively correlated with higher age and positively correlated with participation in training programs; this also applied to self-management. Correlations between the answers to the knowledge questions were higher in patients who had participated in training programs. The visual analogue scales for self-assessment of knowledge and management always correlated with the total number of correct answers.

DISCUSSION

The questionnaires on knowledge and self-management in patients with COPD could be used in outpatient settings, including by non-medical staff, in order to quickly identify and correct deficits or as a reason to recommend training programs. The short versions and the analogue scales for self-assessment can give at least first hints. Potentially, training programs should focus more on promoting the coherence of knowledge through better understanding, as this presumably favors long-term knowledge. Older patients and those with a low level of education appear to be particularly in need of specially adapted training programs.

Validation of an Inhaled Therapy Beliefs Questionnaire in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: To carry out a validation questionnaire that assesses beliefs about inhaled treatments in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as knowing patients' beliefs could help to improve medication adherence and health outcomes. Methods: We evaluated data from 260 COPD patients from electronic medical record databases from five primary healthcare centers, in a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a sample size calculated for a 10-item questionnaire, with an estimated Cronbach's alpha of 0.70 and a 95% confidence level. Study participants were selected via systematic random sampling. Variables: Ten-item Inhaled Therapy Beliefs Questionnaire, CCTI-Questionnaire v.2.0, time for completion, age, sex, educational level, spirometry severity (GOLD criteria), exacerbations (previous year), characteristics of inhaled treatment, and smoking habit. A two-year follow-up in a subsample of 77 patients from one health center was utilized. The Morisky-Green test, pharmacy dispensing data, test-retest (kappa coefficient), and an exploratory analysis of the adherence-belief relationship (ji-squared) were measured. Results: The 10-item questionnaire showed good viability (3 min completion time) when performed face-to-face or telephonically; its psychometric properties were acceptable, with an internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) score of 0.613. Three factors explained 47.58% of the total variance (p < 0.0001): use (factor 1), effects (factor 2), and objectives (factor 3) of inhalers. The two-year follow-up ultimately considered 58 out of the 77 patients (10 deceased, 4 unlocated, 2 mistakes, 2 no inhaled treatment, and 1 withdrawal). Non-adherence was 48.3% in terms of the Morisky-Green test; 31% in terms of pharmacy dispensing data; and 40.4% considering both methods. There was low test-retest reliability, indicated by items 4, 8, and 9 of the CCTI-Questionnaire (Kappa = 0.4, 0.26, and 0.34; p-value < 0.0001, 0.008, and 0.001, respectively). There was mild correlation between beliefs and adherence. Conclusions: The ten-item CCTI-Questionnaire v.2.0 demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties regarding feasibility, reliability, and content validity.

Knowledge of Vaccination Against Influenza and Pneumococcus in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in an Integrated Care Program

Purpose

To compare the level of knowledge in vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are managed in an Integrated Care Program (ICP) with those who receive usual care (UC).

Methods

A telephone survey of patients diagnosed with COPD registered in public care networks or private institutions was done. A descriptive and comparative analysis of the characteristics of the ICP and UC groups was carried out. The relationship between belonging to an ICP and the level of knowledge about vaccination was evaluated using Propensity Score Matching (PSM) and multivariate logistic and ordinal regression models.

Results

Of 674 study participants, 27.2% were from the ICP group. ICP patients were older, more frequently men, from a higher socioeconomic stratum and a higher educational level (p<0.05). 75.5% of the patients in the ICP group had a high level of vaccination knowledge compared to 42.7% in the UC group (p<0.001). In the multivariate analysis, adjusting for sociodemographic variables, years of COPD diagnosis, and comorbidities, belonging to the ICP was associated with a higher probability of answering questions about vaccination correctly and having a high level of knowledge (OR 3.397, IC 95% 2.058-5.608, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with COPD managed in an ICP have a higher level of knowledge in vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus, compared to patients in usual care.

Bridging the "Know-Do" Gaps in Five Non-Communicable Diseases Using a Common Framework Driven by Implementation Science

According to the United Nations High-Level Meeting 2018, five non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and mental health conditions accounted for two-thirds of global deaths. These five NCDs share five common risk factors including tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol use, and air pollution. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face larger burden of NCDs than high-income countries (HICs), due to differences in ecological, technological, socioeconomic and health system development. Based on high-level evidence albeit mainly from HICs, the burden caused by NCDs can be reduced by affordable medicines and best practices. However, "know-do" gaps, ie, gaps between what we know in science and what we do in practice, has limited the impact of these strategies, especially in LMICs. Implementation science advocates the use of robust methodologies to evaluate sustainable solutions in health, education and social care aimed at informing practice and policies. In this article, physician researchers with expertise in NCDs reviewed the common challenges shared by these five NCDs with different clinical courses. They explained the principles of implementation science and advocated the use of an evidence-based framework to implement solutions focusing on early detection, prevention and empowerment, supplemented by best practices in HICs and LMICs. These successful stories can be used to motivate policymakers, payors, providers, patients and public to co-design frameworks and implement context-relevant, multi-component, evidence-based practices. In pursuit of this goal, we propose partnership, leadership, and access to continuing care as the three pillars in developing roadmaps for addressing the multiple needs during the journey of a person with or at risk of these five NCDs. By transforming the ecosystem, raising awareness and aligning context-relevant practices and policies with ongoing evaluation, it is possible to make healthcare accessible, affordable and sustainable to reduce the burden of these five NCDs.

Methods to assess adults' learning styles and factors affecting learning in health education: A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

To develop learner-centered education, knowledge about learning styles and factors that affect the ability to learn in patients and their significant others are essential. The present scoping review aims to identify current evidence on 1) how learning styles are assessed within health education, for adult patients as well as their significant others and 2) factors affecting learning in adult patients and their significant others who receive health education.

METHODS

Systematic literature searches were performed in ERIC, PubMed, Web of Science and PsycINFO.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

1) participants ≥ 18 years; 2) participants were patients or significant others; 3) assessment of learning style and/or factors affecting learning; and 4) health education as context.

RESULTS

45 articles were included. Learning style within health education can be assessed with multiple choice questions, qualitative methods and a validated questionnaire. Health literacy was the most reported factor affecting learning, followed by anxiety and illness condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Prior to the development of learner-centered education for patients and significant others, learning styles as well as factors affecting learning should be assessed in both patients and significant others.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

The process of learning is complex, and it is a shared responsibility of both the learner and the educator.

Determinants in the Underdiagnosis of COPD in Spain-CONOCEPOC Study

Factors such as seeking medical attention for respiratory symptoms and health professionals ordering spirometry come into play in the underdiagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The objective of this study was to analyze seeking medical attention and the use of spirometry in individuals with chronic respiratory symptoms and to compare these results with those obtained in the 2005 and 2011 surveys. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, epidemiological study was conducted via phone interview in December 2020 in Spain, with a representative sample from 17 autonomous communities. The study design was identical to that of the studies carried out in 2005 and 2011 to evaluate the changes that have occurred in seeking medical attention and performing spirometry in Spain, as well as the variability between autonomous communities. Results: From 89,601 phone contacts, a total of 6534 respondents were obtained. A total of 24.8% reported having some chronic respiratory symptom, and 17.9% reported a respiratory disease. Only 51.6% of those who had some chronic respiratory symptom had seen their doctor, which was less likely among current smokers (OR: 0.599, 95% CI: 0.467−0.769, p < 0.001) and those living in a rural setting (OR: 0.797, 95% CI: 0.651−0.975, p = 0.027). A total of 68.7% of the individuals who saw a doctor reported having undergone spirometry, most frequently males (OR: 1.535, 95% CI: 2.074−1.136, p < 0.005), former smokers (OR: 1.696, 95% CI: 2.407−1.195, p < 0.003), and those seen by a pulmonologist (OR: 6.151, 95% CI: 8.869−4.265, p < 0.001). With respect to the 2005 survey, more frequent use of spirometry has been observed (42.6 vs. 68.7%), without any change in seeking medical attention for respiratory symptoms. There is a clear variability according to the autonomous community (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Many individuals with chronic respiratory symptoms do not seek medical attention and although the use of spirometry has increased in the past 15 years, it is still an important area that needs improving in the primary care setting, especially among women. Both of these factors can be determinants in the underdiagnosis of COPD and its variability between autonomous communities.

People living with Moderate-to-Severe COPD Prefer Improvement of Daily Symptoms Over the Improvement of Exacerbations: A Multi-Country Patient Preference Study

Introduction

This patient preference study sought to quantify the preferences of people living with COPD regarding symptom improvement in the UK, USA, France, Australia and Japan.

Methods

The inclusion criteria were people living with COPD aged 40 years or older who experienced ≥1 exacerbation in the previous year with daily symptoms of cough and excess mucus production. The study design included: 1) development of an attributes and levels grid through qualitative patient interviews; and 2) implementation of the main online quantitative survey, which included a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to allow assessment of attributes and levels using hypothetical health state profiles. Preference weights (utilities) were derived from the DCE using hierarchical Bayesian analysis. A preference simulator was developed that enabled different health state scenarios to be evaluated based on the predicted patient preferences.

Results

1050 people living with moderate-to-severe COPD completed the survey. All attributes were considered important when patients determined their preferences in the DCE. In a health state preference simulation, two hypothetical health states (comprising attribute levels) with qualitatively equivalent improvements in A) cough and mucus and B) shortness of breath (SOB) resulted in a clear preference for cough and mucus improved profile. When comparing two profiles with C) daily symptoms improved and D) exacerbations improved, there was a clear preference for the daily symptoms improved profile.

Conclusions

People living with moderate-to-severe COPD prefer to reduce cough and mucus production together over improvement of SOB and would prefer to reduce combined daily symptoms over an improvement in exacerbations.

There is a need for symptom-focused therapies to deliver meaningful outcomes for people living with COPDhttps://bit.ly/3KqcSur

Short-Video Apps as a Health Information Source for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Information Quality Assessment of TikTok Videos

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become one of the most critical public health problems worldwide. Because many COPD patients are using video-based social media to search for health information, there is an urgent need to assess the information quality of COPD videos on social media. Recently, the short-video app TikTok has demonstrated huge potential in disseminating health information and there are currently many COPD videos available on TikTok; however, the information quality of these videos remains unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the information quality of COPD videos on TikTok.

METHODS

In December 2020, we retrieved and screened 300 videos from TikTok and collected a sample of 199 COPD-related videos in Chinese for data extraction. We extracted the basic video information, coded the content, and identified the video sources. Two independent raters assessed the information quality of each video using the DISCERN instrument.

RESULTS

COPD videos on TikTok came mainly from two types of sources: individual users (n=168) and organizational users (n=31). The individual users included health professionals, individual science communicators, and general TikTok users, whereas the organizational users consisted of for-profit organizations, nonprofit organizations, and news agencies. For the 199 videos, the mean scores of the DISCERN items ranged from 3.42 to 4.46, with a total mean score of 3.75. Publication reliability (P=.04) and overall quality (P=.02) showed significant differences across the six types of sources, whereas the quality of treatment choices showed only a marginally significant difference (P=.053) across the different sources.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall information quality of COPD videos on TikTok is satisfactory, although the quality varies across different sources and according to specific quality dimensions. Patients should be selective and cautious when watching COPD videos on TikTok.

Knowledge of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, presence of chronic respiratory symptoms and use of spirometry among the Spanish population: CONOCEPOC 2019 study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze current data on the population's level of knowledge about COPD and to evaluate certain diagnostic interventions, such as the use of spirometry.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional study by telephone interview, with random dialing of landline telephone numbers, was conducted in November 2019, in a nationally representative sample of adults over 40 years of age.

RESULTS

From a total of 51,079 telephone calls, a total of 1920 individuals responded. Mean age was 61.9 years and 31.6% were men. Overall, 19.4% were current smokers and 13.4% reported respiratory disease (5% reported COPD). In total, 27.9% had spontaneous knowledge of COPD, which is a relative increase from the 17% observed in 2011. The most frequent information channel was the media (35.5%), with a significant presence of social networks and the Internet (25.7%). Almost one fifth (18.1%) had chronic respiratory symptoms. Of these, 59.3% had requested medical care, and 66.2% had undergone spirometry. Spirometry was performed less frequently in subjects treated in primary care compared to respiratory medicine departments (51.9% versus 79.1%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of COPD is still scarce, and strategies are needed to increase awareness and the importance of assessing respiratory symptoms and increased use of spirometry.

A qualitative study of clinician perceptions regarding the potential role for digital health interventions for the management of COPD

Effective self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can lead to increased patient control and reduced health care costs. However, both patients and healthcare professionals encounter significant challenges. Digital health interventions, such as smart oximeters and COPD self-management applications, promise to enhance the management of COPD, yet, there is little evidence to support their use and user-experience issues are still common. Understanding the needs of healthcare professionals is central for increasing adoption and engagement with digital health interventions but little is known about their perceptions of digital health interventions in COPD. This paper explored the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the potential role for DHI in the management of COPD. Snowball sampling was used to recruit the participants (n = 32). Each participant underwent a semi-structured interview. Using NVivo 12 software, thematic analysis was completed. Healthcare professionals perceive digital health interventions providing several potential benefits to the management of COPD including the capture of patient status indicators during the interappointment period, providing new patient data to support the consultation process and perceived digital health interventions as a potential means to improve patient engagement. The findings offer new insights regarding potential future use-cases for digital health interventions in COPD, which can help ease user-experience issues as they align with the needs of healthcare professionals.

Knowledge of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Presence of Chronic Respiratory Symptoms and Use of Spirometry Among the Spanish Population: CONOCEPOC 2019 study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze current data on the population's level of knowledge about COPD and to evaluate certain diagnostic interventions, such as the use of spirometry.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An epidemiological, observational, cross-sectional study by telephone interview, with random dialing of landline telephone numbers, was conducted in November 2019, in a nationally representative sample of adults over 40 years of age.

RESULTS

From a total of 51,079 telephone calls, a total of 1,920 individuals responded. Mean age was 61.9 years and 31.6% were men. Overall, 19.4% were current smokers and 13.4% reported respiratory disease (5% reported COPD). In total, 27.9% had spontaneous knowledge of COPD, which is a relative increase from the 17% observed in 2011. The most frequent information channel was the media (35.5%), with a significant presence of social networks and the Internet (25.7%). Almost one fifth (18.1%) had chronic respiratory symptoms. Of these, 59.3% had requested medical care, and 66.2% had undergone spirometry. Spirometry was performed less frequently in subjects treated in primary care compared to respiratory medicine departments (51.9% versus 79.1%; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge of COPD is still scarce, and strategies are needed to increase awareness and the importance of assessing respiratory symptoms and increased use of spirometry.

Improving detection of work-related asthma: a review of gaps in awareness, reporting and knowledge translation

Background

Work-related asthma (WRA) accounts for up to 25% of all adults with asthma. Early diagnosis is key for optimal management as delays in diagnosis are associated with worse outcomes. However, WRA is significantly underreported and the median time to diagnosis is 4 years. The objective of this review is to identify the gaps in awareness and reporting of WRA and identify gaps in current knowledge translation strategies for chronic disease in general, and asthma specifically. This will identify reasons for delays in WRA diagnosis, as well inform suggestions to improve knowledge translation strategies for dissemination and implementation of WRA prevention and management guidelines.

Methods

Non-systematic literature reviews were conducted on PubMed with a focus on work-related asthma screening and diagnosis, and knowledge translation or translational medicine research in asthma and chronic disease. In total, 3571 titles and abstracts were reviewed with no restriction on date published. Of those, 207 were relevant and fully read. Another 37 articles were included and reviewed after citation reviews of articles from the initial search and from suggestions from editors. In total, 63 articles were included in the final review.

Results

Patients, employers, and healthcare professionals lack awareness and under-report WRA which contribute to the delayed diagnosis of WRA, primarily through lack of education, stigma associated with WRA, and lack of awareness and screening in primary care. Knowledge translation strategies for asthma research typically involve the creation of guidelines for diagnosis of the disease, asthma care plans and tools for education and management. While there are some prevention programs in place for certain industries, gaps in knowledge translation strategies including lack of screening tools currently available for WRA, poor education of employers and physicians in identifying WRA, and education of patients is often done post-diagnosis and focuses on management rather than prevention or screening.

Conclusion

Future knowledge translation strategies should focus on educating employees and employers well before potential exposure to agents associated with WRA and screening for WRA in primary care to enable health care providers to recognize and diagnose WRA.

Predictors of Low-Level Disease-Specific Knowledge in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background

Disease-specific knowledge is associated with outcomes of patients, but the knowledge level of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is known to be low.

Objective

We measured the level of disease-specific knowledge and defined factors associated with poor disease knowledge in COPD patients.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional survey was performed in five hospitals in South Korea. At enrolment, all patients completed the Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQ), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), Personal Resource Questionnaire (PRQ), St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The data were analyzed via linear regression to identify factors associated with low-level knowledge of COPD.

Results

A total of 245 COPD patients were enrolled in this study. The mean total BCKQ score was 28.1 (SD, 7.4). The lowest scores were seen for items exploring knowledge of “Oral steroids” and “Inhaled steroids”. In univariate analysis, higher level of education (r = 0.17), low income (r = 0.13), the post-bronchodilator FEV_1, % predicted (r = −0.24), the post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC ratio (r = −0.13), SWLS (r = 0.15), PRQ (r = 0.16), SF-36 MCS (r = 0.13), HADS-A (r = −0.17), and HADS-D (r = −0.28) scores correlated with the BCKQ score (all p < 0.05). FEV₁ (r = −0.25, p < 0.001) and HADS-D score (r = −0.29, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the total BCKQ score in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Our Korean patients with COPD lacked knowledge on oral and inhaled steroid treatments. In particular, patients with higher-level lung function and/or depressive symptoms exhibited poorer disease-specific knowledge; such patients may require additional education.

Information needs of older patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) indicated for a specific geriatric rehabilitation programme: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Post-acute rehabiitation is recommended in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It enhances the sense of control by education, which should focus on patient information needs. However, it is unknown whether a geriatric rehabilitation programme for older patients with advanced COPD and severely impaired health status (the GR-COPD programme) does fit these patient information needs.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to identify the information needs of patients who were eligible for the GR-COPD programme, and investigated if health-related knowledge improved during rehabilitation.

METHODS

All patients indicated for the GR-COPD programme were eligible for this study. The information needs were measured with the Lung Information Needs Questionnaire (LINQ).

FINDINGS

The 158 patients (mean age 70.8 years; FEV1 %predicted: 35.5) showed relatively high baseline information needs (mean LINQ overall score: 8.6 [SD 3.1]), with the greatest need in the domains 'diet' and 'self-management'. After follow-up, the mean LINQ overall score significantly improved in patients who completed the GR-COPD programme (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients' knowledge showed a statistically significant improvement in some areas during the GR-COPD programme.

Physical, Psychological, and Social Factors Associated with Exacerbation-Related Hospitalization in Patients with COPD

Background and objective: Exacerbation(s) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (eCOPD) entail important events describing an acute deterioration of respiratory symptoms. Changes in medication and/or hospitalization are needed to gain control over the event. However, an exacerbation leading to hospitalization is associated with a worse prognosis for the patient. The objective of this study is to explore factors that could predict the probability of an eCOPD-related hospitalization. Methods: Data from 128 patients with COPD included in a prospective, longitudinal study were used. At baseline, physical, emotional, and social status of the patients were assessed. Moreover, hospital admission during a one year follow-up was captured. Different models were made based on univariate analysis, literature, and practice. These models were combined to come to one final overall prediction model. Results: During follow-up, 31 (24.2%) participants were admitted for eCOPD. The overall model contained six significant variables: currently smoking (OR = 3.93), forced vital capacity (FVC; OR = 0.97), timed-up-and-go time (TUG-time) (OR = 14.16), knowledge (COPD knowledge questionnaire, percentage correctly answered questions (CIROPD_%correct)) (<60% (OR = 1.00); 60%–75%: (OR = 0.30); >75%: (OR = 1.94), eCOPD history (OR = 9.98), and care dependency scale (CDS) total score (OR = 1.12). This model was well calibrated (goodness-of-fit test: p = 0.91) and correctly classified 79.7% of the patients. Conclusion: A combination of TUG-time, eCOPD-related admission(s) prior to baseline, currently smoking, FVC, CDS total score, and CIROPD_%correct allows clinicians to predict the probability of an eCOPD-related hospitalization.

Palliative care as an emerging role for respiratory health professionals: Findings from a cross-sectional, exploratory Canadian survey

Introduction

Respiratory Health Professionals (RHPs) with specialty training in the management of asthma and COPD, often care for patients with advanced respiratory disease, who have less access to palliative care than patients with similar disease burden. The aims of this study were to: (i) explore the current and desired roles of RHPs in terms of palliative care and (ii) examine barriers to discussions with patients about palliative care.

Methods

An online survey addressing the aims of this study was developed and pilot tested. The survey was distributed nationally using the database of the Lung Association's RESPTREC respiratory educator training program. Descriptive statistics were performed.

Results

A total of 123 completed surveys were returned, with respiratory therapists comprising the largest group of respondents. The majority indicated that end-of-life care was less than optimal for patients with advanced respiratory illnesses and agreed that palliative care should be a role of RHPs. Patient- and family-related barriers to having end-of-life discussions included: difficulty accepting prognosis, limitations and complications, and lack of capacity. For providers, the most important barriers were: lack of training, uncertainty about prognosis, and lack of time. The health care system barriers of concern were increasing demand for palliative care services and limited accessibility of palliative care for those with advanced respiratory diseases and difficulties in accurate prognostication for these conditions.

Discussion

Incorporating a more defined role in palliative care was generally seen as a desirable evolution of the RHP role. A number of strategies to mitigate identified barriers to discussions with the patient are described. Better alignment of the services required with the needs of patients with advanced respiratory disease can be addressed in a number of ways.

Conclusions

As RHP roles continue to evolve, consideration should be given to the ways in which RHPs can contribute to improving the quality of care for patients with advanced respiratory disease. Building collaborations with RHPs, palliative care, and other existing health programs can ensure high quality of care. Creating and taking advantage of learning opportunities to build skills and comfort in using a palliative approach will benefit respiratory patients.

Association Between Health Literacy, Electronic Health Literacy, Disease-Specific Knowledge, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Adults With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Despite the relatively high prevalence of low health literacy among individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), limited empirical attention has been paid to the cognitive and health literacy–related skills that can uniquely influence patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine how health literacy, electronic health (eHealth) literacy, and COPD knowledge are associated with both generic and lung-specific HRQoL in people living with COPD.

Methods

Adults from the COPD Foundation’s National Research Registry (n=174) completed a cross-sectional Web-based survey that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity status, COPD knowledge, health literacy, eHealth literacy, and generic/lung-specific HRQoL. Hierarchical linear regression models were tested to examine the roles of health literacy and eHealth literacy on generic (model 1) and lung-specific (model 2) HRQoL, after accounting for socioeconomic and comorbidity covariates. Spearman rank correlations examined associations between ordinal HRQoL items and statistically significant hierarchical predictor variables.

Results

After adjusting for confounding factors, health literacy, eHealth literacy, and COPD knowledge accounted for an additional 9% of variance in generic HRQoL (total adjusted R²=21%; F_9,164=6.09, P<.001). Health literacy (b=.08, SE 0.02, 95% CI 0.04-0.12) was the only predictor positively associated with generic HRQoL (P<.001). Adding health literacy, eHealth literacy, and COPD knowledge as predictors explained an additional 7.40% of variance in lung-specific HRQoL (total adjusted R²=26.4%; F_8,161=8.59, P<.001). Following adjustment for covariates, both health literacy (b=2.63, SE 0.84, 95% CI 0.96-4.29, P<.001) and eHealth literacy (b=1.41, SE 0.67, 95% CI 0.09-2.73, P<.001) were positively associated with lung-specific HRQoL. Health literacy was positively associated with most lung-specific HRQoL indicators (ie, cough frequency, chest tightness, activity limitation at home, confidence leaving home, sleep quality, and energy level), whereas eHealth literacy was positively associated with 5 of 8 (60%) lung-specific HRQoL indicators. Upon controlling for confounders, COPD knowledge (b=−.56, SE 0.29, 95% CI −1.22 to −0.004, P<.05) was inversely associated with lung-specific HRQoL.

Conclusions

Health literacy, but not eHealth literacy, was positively associated with generic HRQoL. However, both health literacy and eHealth literacy were positively associated with lung-specific HRQoL, with higher COPD knowledge indicative of lower lung-specific HRQoL. These results confirm the importance of considering health and eHealth literacy levels when designing patient education programs for people living with COPD. Future research should explore the impact of delivering interventions aimed at improving eHealth and health literacy among patients with COPD, particularly when disease self-management goals are to enhance HRQoL.

Revealing Methodological Challenges in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Studies Assessing Comorbidities: A Narrative Review

Beyond respiratory impairment, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often suffer from comorbidities which are associated with worse health status, higher health care costs and worse prognosis. Reported prevalences of comorbidities largely differ between studies which might be explained by different assessment methods (objective assessment, self-reported assessment, or assessment by medical records), heterogeneous study populations, inappropriate control groups, incomparable methodologies, etc. This narrative review demonstrates and further evaluates the variability in prevalence of several comorbidities in patients with COPD and control individuals and discusses several shortcomings and pitfalls which need to be considered when interpreting comorbidity data. Like in other chronic organ diseases, the accurate diagnosis and integrated management of comorbidities is a key for outcome in COPD. This review highlights that there is a need to move from the starting point of an established index disease towards the concept of the development of multimorbidity in the elderly including COPD as an important and highly prevalent pulmonary component.

Usefulness and Relevance of an eHealth Tool in Supporting the Self-Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Explorative Qualitative Study of a Cocreative Process

BACKGROUND

New strategies are urgently needed to support self-management for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care. The use of electronic health (eHealth) solutions is promising. However, there is a lack of knowledge about how such eHealth tools should be designed in order to be perceived as relevant and useful and meet the needs and expectations of the health professionals as well as people with COPD and their relatives.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the aspects of an eHealth tool design and content that make it relevant and useful for supporting COPD-related self-management strategies from the perspective of health care professionals, people with COPD and their relatives, and external researchers.

METHODS

Data were collected during the development of an eHealth tool. A cocreation process was carried out with participants from two primary care units in northern Sweden and external researchers. Individual interviews were performed with health care professionals (n=13) as well as people with COPD (n=6) and their relatives (n=2), and focus group discussions (n=9) were held with all groups of participants. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

The overarching theme, reinforcing existing support structures, reflects participant views that the eHealth tool needs to be directly applicable and create a sense of commitment in users. Moreover, participants felt that the tool needs to fit with existing routines and contexts and preferably should not challenge existing hierarchies between health care professionals and people with COPD. Important content for health care professionals and people with COPD included knowledge about self-management strategies. Videos were regarded as the most effective method for communicating such knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

The cocreation in the development process enables participant perspectives and priorities to be built into the eHealth tool. This is assumed to contribute to a tool that is useful and relevant and, therefore, adopted into clinical practice and everyday life. Findings from this study can inform the development of eHealth tools for people with COPD in other contexts, as well as the development of eHealth tools for self-management support of other chronic diseases.

Patients' perspective of the impact of COPD on quality of life: a focus group study for patients with COPD

Background The quality of life has been shown to be poor in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, patients' perspective and attitudes toward COPD and its impact on their quality of life have been remarkably ignored. Objective To explore patients' views and perceptions regarding COPD and its impact on their quality of life. Setting COPD clinic at the Royal Medical Services Hospital, Amman, Jordan. Method Focus groups discussions to explore patients' views and perceptions about COPD were conducted using purposive sampling technique till data saturation achieved. A predesigned topic guides including knowledge about COPD and its management and the impact of COPD on the quality of life in patients with COPD was used to facilitate discussion during the interviews. All interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Main outcome measure Impact of COPD on patients' quality of life. Results The main themes emerged included information needs about COPD and its management, physical and psychological impact of COPD and reliance on others. The most commonly expressed problem was breathlessness which restricted physical activity and led to panic and anxiety attacks. Constant breathlessness coupled with anxiety can force COPD patient to avoid all physical activity and becoming reliant on others. Conclusion In addition to the lack of knowledge about COPD and its management, it was evident that COPD had a negative physical and psychological impact on COPD patients. Future disease management and clinical pharmacy services programs should address the current study findings in order to improve the health outcomes for patients with COPD.