The patient journey in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with COPD
Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition that causes irreversible airway obstruction. Fatigue and exertional dyspnoea, for example, have a detrimental impact on the patient’s daily life. Current research has revealed the need to empower the patient, whic...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-12-01
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| Series: | BMC Pulmonary Medicine |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-023-02796-8 |
| _version_ | 1797388514690596864 |
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| author | Nicola Scichilone Andrew Whittamore Chris White Elena Nudo Massimo Savella Marta Lombardini |
| author_facet | Nicola Scichilone Andrew Whittamore Chris White Elena Nudo Massimo Savella Marta Lombardini |
| author_sort | Nicola Scichilone |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition that causes irreversible airway obstruction. Fatigue and exertional dyspnoea, for example, have a detrimental impact on the patient’s daily life. Current research has revealed the need to empower the patient, which can result in not only educated and effective decision-making, but also a considerable improvement in patient satisfaction and treatment compliance. The current study aimed to investigate the perspectives and requirements of people living with COPD to possibly explore new ways to manage their disease. Methods Adults with COPD from 8 European countries were interviewed by human factor experts to evaluate their disease journey through the gathering of information on the age, performance, length, and impact of diagnosis, symptoms progression, and family and friends' reactions. The assessment of present symptoms, services, and challenges was performed through a 90-min semi-structured interview. To identify possible unmet needs of participants, a generic thematic method was used to explore patterns, themes, linkages, and sequences within the data collected. Flow charts and diagrams were created to communicate the primary findings. Following analysis, the data was consolidated into cohesive insights and conversation themes relevant to determining the patient's unmet needs. Results The 62, who voluntarily accepted to be interviewed, were patients (61% females, aged 32–70 years) with a COPD diagnosis for at least 6 months with stable symptoms of different severity. The main challenges expressed by the patients were the impact on their lifestyle, reduced physical activity, and issues with their mobility. About one-fourth had challenges with their symptoms or medication including difficulty in breathing. Beyond finding a cure for COPD was the primary goal for patients, their main needs were to receive adequate information on the disease and treatments, and to have adequate support to improve physical activity and mobility, helpful both for patients and their families. Conclusions These results could aid in the creation of new ideas and concepts to improve our patient’s quality of life, encouraging a holistic approach to people living with COPD and reinforcing the commitment to understanding their needs. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-08T22:41:56Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-001d81ff79bf4824a0d7cadbfa3c93d9 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2466 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-08T22:41:56Z |
| publishDate | 2023-12-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Pulmonary Medicine |
| spelling | doaj.art-001d81ff79bf4824a0d7cadbfa3c93d92023-12-17T12:05:35ZengBMCBMC Pulmonary Medicine1471-24662023-12-0123111510.1186/s12890-023-02796-8The patient journey in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with COPDNicola Scichilone0Andrew Whittamore1Chris White2Elena Nudo3Massimo Savella4Marta Lombardini5Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department PROMISE, “Giaccone” University Hospital, University of PalermoGP, Portsdown Group PracticeRebus Medical LTDChiesi Farmaceutici S.P.AChiesi Farmaceutici S.P.AChiesi Farmaceutici S.P.AAbstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common condition that causes irreversible airway obstruction. Fatigue and exertional dyspnoea, for example, have a detrimental impact on the patient’s daily life. Current research has revealed the need to empower the patient, which can result in not only educated and effective decision-making, but also a considerable improvement in patient satisfaction and treatment compliance. The current study aimed to investigate the perspectives and requirements of people living with COPD to possibly explore new ways to manage their disease. Methods Adults with COPD from 8 European countries were interviewed by human factor experts to evaluate their disease journey through the gathering of information on the age, performance, length, and impact of diagnosis, symptoms progression, and family and friends' reactions. The assessment of present symptoms, services, and challenges was performed through a 90-min semi-structured interview. To identify possible unmet needs of participants, a generic thematic method was used to explore patterns, themes, linkages, and sequences within the data collected. Flow charts and diagrams were created to communicate the primary findings. Following analysis, the data was consolidated into cohesive insights and conversation themes relevant to determining the patient's unmet needs. Results The 62, who voluntarily accepted to be interviewed, were patients (61% females, aged 32–70 years) with a COPD diagnosis for at least 6 months with stable symptoms of different severity. The main challenges expressed by the patients were the impact on their lifestyle, reduced physical activity, and issues with their mobility. About one-fourth had challenges with their symptoms or medication including difficulty in breathing. Beyond finding a cure for COPD was the primary goal for patients, their main needs were to receive adequate information on the disease and treatments, and to have adequate support to improve physical activity and mobility, helpful both for patients and their families. Conclusions These results could aid in the creation of new ideas and concepts to improve our patient’s quality of life, encouraging a holistic approach to people living with COPD and reinforcing the commitment to understanding their needs.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-023-02796-8Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseAssessment of healthcare needsQualitative researchPatient-centered careHuman-centered designHuman factors science |
| spellingShingle | Nicola Scichilone Andrew Whittamore Chris White Elena Nudo Massimo Savella Marta Lombardini The patient journey in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with COPD BMC Pulmonary Medicine Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Assessment of healthcare needs Qualitative research Patient-centered care Human-centered design Human factors science |
| title | The patient journey in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with COPD |
| title_full | The patient journey in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with COPD |
| title_fullStr | The patient journey in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with COPD |
| title_full_unstemmed | The patient journey in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with COPD |
| title_short | The patient journey in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with COPD |
| title_sort | patient journey in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease copd a human factors qualitative international study to understand the needs of people living with copd |
| topic | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Assessment of healthcare needs Qualitative research Patient-centered care Human-centered design Human factors science |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-023-02796-8 |
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