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COPD Horizon Scanning Volume 6 Issue 6

The COPD breathlessness manual

Source: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine 24, Article number: 14076 Published online 16 October 2014

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Date of publication: October 2014

In a Nutshell: This trial compares a cognitive-behavioural manual versus information booklets on health service use, mood and health status, in over 200 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients were randomly allocated to receive either the manual or booklet and instructed to work through their programme at home, over 5 weeks. Guidance from a facilitator was provided at an initial home visit plus two telephone call follow-ups. After 12 months the group using the manual had reduced levels in anxiety and depression and significantly less visits to emergency departments, compared to the group using the booklet. The findings indicates that the COPD manual is a straightforward cost-effective intervention, that is worth offering to COPD patients within primary or secondary care.

Length of publication: webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Impact of a telephone alert service on hospital admissions for patients with COPD

Source: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine 24, Article number: 14080 Published online 23 October 2014

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Date of publication: October 2014

In a Nutshell: This retrospective study investigated the ‘Healthy Outlook’ alert phone service, run by the UK Met Office. The service involved giving advanced warning of difficult weather conditions, such as cold temperatures and excess humidity that exacerbate lung disease for patients with COPD, accompanied by medical advice. The analysis study of data on hospital admissions for over 31,000 COPD patients from 661 GP practices found an average reduction of 16% in hospital admissions in the first year of operation of the call service.

Length of publication: webpage

 

Improving outcomes for people with COPD by developing networks of general practices

Source:  npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine 24, Article number: 14082 Published online 16 October 2014

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Date of publication: October 2014

In a Nutshell: This quality improvement project in east London was carried out to enhance COPD care delivery in a primary care setting. It focused on socially deprived, ethnically diverse communities and involved the investment of financial, organisational and educational resources into general practice networks. The project aimed to create networks of GP surgeries, (involving 36 practices grouped geographically into eight networks) combining different care methods and investing in new managerial staff and education budgets for each network. These restructured, carefully managed networks resulted in significant behavioral changes in primary care, culminating in a decrease in hospital admissions and a significant rise in completed care plans and COPD rehabilitation referrals.

Length of publication: webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Further dissemination

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COPD Horizon Scanning Vol 6 Issue 5

Lung flute for COPD with chronic bronchitis

Source:  Clinical and Translational Medicine     2014, 3:29 

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Date of publication: 23 September 2014

In a Nutshell: This US study tests The Lung Flute®, a new respiratory device with a unique mechanism that produces a low frequency acoustic wave with moderately vigorous exhalation to increase mucus clearance. The study suggests that, used on a twice daily basis The Lung Flute is a safe, low cost and effective treatment in COPD with chronic bronchitis.

Length of publication: 8 page journal article

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Telerehabilitation for COPD

Source:   Chest      2014  146 (2) 318-27

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Date of publication: 2014

In a Nutshell: This intervention investigated the effectiveness of telerehabilitation for COPD patients on their health status and activity levels compared to usual care.

It consisted of an activity coach (3D-accelerometer with smartphone) for ambulant activity registration and real-time feedback, complemented by a web portal with a symptom diary for self-treatment of exacerbations. The results show the potential benefits, with compliance with the activity coach being high and significant improvement in patients’ activity levels.

Length of publication: 10 page journal article

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Reducing hospital admissions and improving the diagnosis of COPD in Southampton City

Source:  Primary Care Respiratory Medicine 24, Article number: 14035

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Date of publication: August 2014

In a Nutshell: This community based 12-month service improvement project was undertaken following a comprehensive 3-year audit of patients with COPD exacerbation admissions. It was consultant-led, co-delivered with a full-time equivalent respiratory nurse specialist in COPD and a specialist registrar in respiratory medicine. Existing community teams were also involved, delivering parts of the project spanning across both primary and secondary care. This project showed to be an effective intervention, with secondary care specialists co-working with primary care making an impact in a relatively short period of time.

Length of publication: webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Coping techniques help COPD patients

Source: MedicalNewsToday

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Date of publication: 29 September 2014

Publication type: News story

Length of publication: 1web page

In a Nutshell: Coaching patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease to manage stress, practice relaxation and participate in light exercise can boost a patient’s quality of life and can even improve physical symptoms.

COPD Patients and end of life discussions

Source: MedicalNewsToday

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Date of publication: 6 September 2014

Publication type: News story

Length of publication: 1 web page

In a Nutshell: Patients with COPD would like healthcare professionals to discuss palliative care needs in more detail, according to a new study.