The economic burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the elderly: results from a systematic review of the literature

Source: Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine, December 2011 vol. 17, Suppl 1, pp. S35-41

Follow this link for the full-text

Date of publication: December 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: A literature review of the economic studies evaluating costs and healthcare resource utilization in elderly (>= 65 years) COPD patients.  Found a trend of direct cost growth in the elderly population, which can be explained by a more frequent use of acute healthcare services, especially for managing COPD exacerbations.  The supplement has a range of articles concerning COPD coverning management of acute exacerbations, identifying the knowledge gaps in research, and comorbidities.

Length of publication:  7 pages

Acknowledgement: Medline

Assessment and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the emergency department and beyond

Source: Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, August 2011, Volume 5, Issue 4, pp. 549-59

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: August 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are common,can result in emergency presentation at hospital and often result in inpatient hospitalisation. After confirming the diagnosis and treating comorbidities, management includes bronchodilators, systemic corticosteroids, antibiotics, noninvasive ventilation and, occasionally, endotracheal intubation. Once discharged, delayed follow-up and suboptimal management often occurs. Antibiotics, systemic corticosteroids and optimisation of nonpharmacological interventions such as smoking cessation, immunisation and pulmonary rehabilitation are important discharge considerations. Improving linkages to primary providers who adhere to an evidence-based treatment plan is critical to preventing future episodes. This would result in reduced healthcare utilisation and maintaining the quality of life of patients following acute exacerbations.

Length of publication:  11 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username. Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library. 

Acknowledgement: MEDLINE

Providing reviews of evidence to COPD patients: qualitative study of barriers and facilitating factors to patient-mediated practice change

Source: Chronic Respiratory Disease, 23 December 2009 (Online First)

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitating factors to people with COPD performing the following actions: (a) reading a manual that contained summaries of evidence on treatments used in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and (b) at a medical consultation, asking questions that were provided in the manual and were designed to prompt doctors to review current treatments in the light of evidence. The study found that patients did not see it as possible or acceptable to master research evidence or initiate discussions of evidence with doctors. If evidence summaries for patients are to be used they should be understandable and relevant to patients so they can be used as a basis for discussion.

Length of publication:  Web page

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Acknowledgement: Pubmed

Patient views on three key service areas within hospital COPD care

Source: Health Education Journal, March 2009, 68(1) pages 26-33

For abstract link here

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Patients with COPD were asked about non-invasive ventilation [NIV], early discharge schemes and rehabilitation.  Their views were sought to inform recommendations for the delivery of care within a national programme of hospital COPD service development in 4 locations across the UK.  This report has identified a lack of knowledge amongst the majority of patients consulted about recent key NHS medical and service developments. At a group level this impairs the contributions that patients may make to forming service profiles. At an individual level, lack of prior knowledge places patients in a vulnerable position when admitted to hospital and asked to make informed decisions about their care.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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Acknowledgement: CINAHL