The impact of integrated disease management in high-risk COPD patients in primary care

The impact of integrated disease management in high-risk COPD patients in primary careThe impact of integrated disease management in high-risk COPD patients in primary care, Published online: 28 March 2019; doi:10.1038/s41533-019-0119-9Patients enrolled on a chronic lung disease care program involving education and self-management report improved quality of life (QoL). People with severe forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often require urgent treatment for exacerbations and struggle with poor QoL. Christopher Licskai at Western University in Ontario, Canada, and co-workers trialed a one-year integrated disease management (IDM) program and compared it with standard care in 168 patients with severe COPD in primary care. The IDM involved regular collaboration with health professionals, guidance on best practice with medications, and personalized action plans. All participants completed the COPD Assessment Test, which indicated that IDM patients’ QoL scores improved during treatment, while QoL of those in standard care worsened over time. Significantly fewer IDM patients had severe exacerbations or the need for urgent medical care.

Source: npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine - March 27, 2019 Category: Primary Care Authors: Madonna Ferrone Marcello G. Masciantonio Natalie Malus Larry Stitt Tim O ’Callahan Zofe Roberts Laura Johnson Jim Samson Lisa Durocher Mark Ferrari Margo Reilly Kelly Griffiths Christopher J. Licskai Andrew Atkins Bill Baker Sara Dalo Jean Piccinato Den Source Type: research