Hurst, JR; Skolnik, N; Hansen, GJ; Anzueto, A; Donaldson, GC; Dransfield, MT; Varghese, P; (2020) Understanding the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations on patient health and quality of life. European Journal of Internal Medicine 10.1016/j.ejim.2019.12.014. (In press).

Preview

Text Hurst_Understanding the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations on patient health and quality of life_AOP.pdf - Published Version Download (551kB) | Preview

Abstract

Exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represent a significant clinical problem, and are associated with decreased lung function, worsening quality of life and decreased physical activity levels, with even a single exacerbation having detrimental effects. The occurrence of COPD exacerbations can also have a considerable impact on healthcare costs and mortality rates, with over one-fifth of patients hospitalized for a COPD exacerbation for the first time dying within one year of discharge. This highlights the need for COPD exacerbations to be a major focus in clinical practice. Furthermore, the substantial effect that COPD exacerbations can have on patient mental health should not be underestimated. Despite their clinical importance, COPD exacerbations are poorly recognized and reported by patients, and improving patient understanding and reporting of exacerbations to ensure prompt treatment may minimize their deleterious effects. Renewed focus on improving current clinical practice with support from evidence-based guidelines is required. This also raises a challenge to payors, healthcare systems and government policies to do more to tackle the considerable outstanding burden of COPD exacerbations.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as XMLCSVJSON

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as XMLCSVJSON

Archive Staff Only

View Item