More than 8 in 10 patients with COPD never miss their COPD reviews, according to a new UK patient survey released on World COPD day.
The survey, by Chiesi, found that at least 6 in 10 are satisfied with the quality of the reviews. However, the greater the disease severity, the most likely patients are to miss reviews due to illness and feeling ‘lectured’ and ‘rushed’ when they do attend. Additionally, one in three patients with COPD felt that they would receive more attention or better care if they had a different disease.
Stephen Gaduzo, GP with a special interest in respiratory in Stockport and former Chair of the Primary Care Respiratory Society said: ‘If a review is very one-sided, patients may feel lectured at, or not listened to, discouraging them from attending. But, when carried out well, these check-ups are the ideal opportunity for patients to learn how to improve their disease management, meeting their needs and not just become tick-box exercises. I would advise all HCPs to ask their patients to fill out a COPD Patient Passport, available on the British Lung Foundation website, and bring it to their annual review, to ensure that their consultation is of best possible quality.’
More than half (56%) of those unable to attend reviews due to illness also had previously experienced an exacerbation, which the survey’s authors say suggests that the system may be failing those in most critical need. The survey also showed that of the 82% who had never missed a COPD review, their main motivating factors are to prevent worsening of their disease (67%); improve quality of life (52%) and to be in control of their condition (50%).
Dr Richard Russell, COPD Researcher, University of Oxford, Consultant Chest Physician Southern Health NHS FT, said: ‘It is shocking to see that patients consider that they would receive more or better attention if they had other diagnoses. They are keen to feel better, manage their disease better and know more about their disease. To me, the results are a call to healthcare professionals to take COPD reviews seriously and make it as easy as possible for patients to attend, particularly those with severe disease."’