Development and validation of the living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease questionnaire

Source: Quality of Life Research, September 2011, vol. 20, part 7, pp. 1043-52

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: September 2011

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The purpose of the study was to develop a patient-based PRO measure for COPD that captures the overall everyday impact of living with COPD from the patient’s perspective.  The resulting tool, the LCOPD is a new measure which examines the everyday impact of living with COPD. It demonstrates good scaling properties and may prove valuable in understanding treatment benefits.

Length of publication:  10 pages

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. 

Acknowledgement: Medline

Effects of singing classes on pulmonary function and quality of life of COPD patients

Source: International Journal of COPD, 2009, 4(1) pages 1-8

For abstract link here

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study aimed to investigate the effects of weekly singing classes on pulmonary function and quality of life (QoL) of COPD patients.  Forty-three patients were randomized to weekly classes of singing practice, or handcraft work.  The authors concluded that singing classes are a well tolerated activity for selected subjects with COPD.  Regular practice of singing may improve QoL, and preserve the maximal expiratory pressure of these patients.

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 http://www.hlisd.org

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Acknowledgement: EMBASE

GPs and clinicians report on success of telehealth

Source: EU Health News

Date of publication: 2009

Publication type: News story

In a nutshell: Over 17.5 million people in the UK live with a long-term condition, and there is a growing acceptance of telehealth to enhance quality of life for people with conditions such as COPD, chronic heart failure and diabetes.
Sheffield PCT is using telehealth solutions to tackle the issue of COPD in the community by monitoring patients in their own homes. This innovative approach has seen COPD-related hospital admissions decrease by 50%, allowing them to reinvest in the service and home visits by community COPD nurses have been reduced by 80%, cutting travel and enabling healthcare staff to prioritise their workload.

Length of publication: 1 page

Acknowledgement: www.ehealthnews.eu