Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A survey of patients’ knowledge and attitudes
Received 20 August 2008; accepted 19 January 2009. published online 09 March 2009.
Refers to corrigendum:
Corrigendum to “Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A survey of patients' knowledge and attitudes” [Respiratory Medicine 103 (2009) 1004–1012]
, 23 October 2009
Paul Hernandez, Meyer Balter, Jean Bourbeau, Rick Hodder
Respiratory Medicine
December 2009 (Vol. 103, Issue 12, Page 1973) Full Text |
Full-Text PDF (93 KB)
Summary
Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition and the fourth leading cause of death in Canada. However, little is known about the impact of COPD on the lives and attitudes of individuals living with this condition. The purpose of this study was to determine whether Canadians with COPD are properly educated and supported, and to recommend solutions to any care gaps identified.
Methods
A total of 389 Canadians were surveyed who were 40years of age and older, physician diagnosed with COPD, and current or former smokers. The telephone survey contained 68 items and took 35min to complete. COPD severity was classified according to symptom severity using the Medical Research Council (MRC) score.
Results
Respondents tended to overestimate their disease severity and reported substantial symptom burden and psychosocial impact of living with COPD. Most individuals claimed to be well informed about COPD; however, their knowledge was poor in several domains including the causes of COPD, the consequences of inadequate therapy and the management of exacerbations. Family physicians were the main health care providers. A minority of respondents had seen a lung health educator. Only 34% had ever received a written action plan and only 33% had been told how to prevent an exacerbation.
Conclusions
The symptom burden and psychosocial impact of living with COPD is substantial. There are significant gaps in patients’ knowledge about the management of COPD and little contact with lung health educators. Increased use of COPD-specific, self-management education programs may help rectify these care gaps.
e Current address: Mount Sinai Hospital, 6-207-600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada.
f Current address: Respiratory Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Montreal Chest Institute, 3650 St. Urbain, Office K1.32, Montréal, Québec, H2X 2P4, Canada.
g Current address: The Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus, 1053 Carling Ave, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 4E9, Canada.
ABSTRACT