Disease management program COPD in Germany: benefit for the patient in respect of GOLD-stages?

Current available data regarding the efficacy of german Disease Management Programs (DMP) are only related to data which are entered into official documentation sheets of health care insurance / health care providers. However, no data evaluate the DMP or the incorporated educational programs from patients perspective.Therefore a cross-sectional trial in patients with Asthma (AB) and COPD, respectively, in 13 primary care practices and 26 specialist practices in Germany was performed. This subgroup analysis evaluates the effects of the DMP COPD in respect to the different disease severity in COPD.Patients took part in the DMP for > 1 year (DMP +) or took not part (DMP -) (n=602 DMP+ / 244 DMP-).We assessed used medication, exacerbation rate and missed days from work as well as measures of disease control (ACT / CAT), health related quality of life (ACQ / CRQ), Fear- and Depression (HADS, FEAV) and social support (SSUK).GOLD A/BGOLD A/BGOLD C/DGOLD C/DDMP + (n=172)DMP - (n=68)DMP + (n=223)DMP - (n=83)HADS total11.3 (7.3)11.5 (7.7)9.5 (7.2)9.5 (7.3)CAT25.3 (8.6)25.2 (6.8)21.9 (7.4)22.9 (8.5)CRQ18.4 (4.9)18.3 (4.7)20.6 (4.6)20.4 (4.8)Data are given as mean (SD)No relevant clinical or statistical significant differences between the two groups DMP+ or DMP- could be shown. For this reason, participation in the DMP for patients with COPD seems to be without benefit even in higher stages. However, longitunal trials are needed.
Source: European Respiratory Journal - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Rehabilitation and chronic care Source Type: research