A study from the COPD Foundation has determined that prioritizing communications between patients and health care providers and increasing patient education could improve care among those with COPD. The study, “Patient Burden and Insights in COPD: A Survey Analysis,” was published in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation.
According to a news release, the study analyzed self-reported data using the Phreesia PatientInsights survey, which patients completed after check-in at their doctor’s office. The study included 1,615 patients who indicated they had a diagnosis of — or were getting treatment for — COPD.
The survey asked questions about patients’ symptoms and the impact of those symptoms on their daily lives. There were also questions about COPD education, communications with their health care provider and their treatment journey.
Of those who completed the survey, 39% had lived with COPD for more than seven years, and 25% said they experienced symptoms every day. Nearly two-thirds (64%) said COPD had a moderate-to-great impact on their daily lives. Only 45%, however, had spoken in detail to their health care providers about their COPD.
“Continuous communication between people with COPD and their health care providers is essential to help improve their quality of life, particularly when discussing treatments and understanding COPD and its symptoms,” said lead author David Mannino, MD, chief medical officer of the COPD Foundation.
Dr. Mannino said the study found that patients who communicate with their providers have better symptom and disease management, which can lead to reduced exacerbations and fewer hospital visits.
“This highlights the need to expand conversations with patients about disease education, treatment instructions and self-management strategies to help improve their quality of life,” he said.
