A qualitative study of patients' experiences of participating in SPACE for COPD: a Self-management Programme of Activity, Coping and Education.

The aim of this study was to understand experiences of participation in a supported self-management programme for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a wealth of clinical trials examining the outcomes of self-management interventions for individuals with COPD, but current understanding regarding patients' perspectives of such complex interventions is limited. Further insight may help to tailor self-management interventions and maximise patient engagement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals participating in a self-management programme, SPACE for COPD. Interviews took place at 6 weeks and 6 months following the programme. Data were analysed at each time point using inductive thematic analysis, and subsequently re-examined together. 40 interviews were undertaken and four themes emerged from the analysis: perceptions of the programme; lifestyle changes; social support; and disrupting factors and barriers to maintaining routines. SPACE for COPD was acceptable to participants in this study. The importance of education and social support was emphasised at both time points studied, but there were challenges such as comorbidities, ill health of family members and limited maintenance of exercise behaviours over the longer term. Further consideration of the role of carers and partners may help to improve adherence to self-management programmes once healthcare professional support has stopped.

Blood Eosinophils and Outcomes in Severe Hospitalized Exacerbations of COPD.

BACKGROUND: Patients with moderate exacerbations of COPD and the eosinophilic phenotype have better outcomes with prednisolone. Whether this outcome is similar in patients hospitalized with a severe exacerbation of COPD is unclear. We investigated the rate of recovery of eosinophilic and noneosinophilic exacerbations in patients participating in a multicenter randomized controlled trial assessing health outcomes in hospitalized exacerbations. METHODS: Patients were recruited at presentation to the hospital with an exacerbation of COPD. They were stratified into groups according to eosinophilic exacerbations if the peripheral blood eosinophil count on admission was ≥ 200 cells/µL and/or ≥ 2% of the total leukocyte count. Admission details, serum C-reactive protein levels, length of stay, and subsequent rehospitalization data were compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 243 patients with COPD (117 men) with a mean age of 71 years (range, 45-93 years) were recruited. The inpatient mortality rate was 3% (median time to death, 12 days; range, 9-16 days). The median absolute eosinophil count was 100 cells/µL (range, 10-1,500 cells/µL), and 25% met our criteria for an eosinophilic exacerbation; in this population, the mean length of stay (in days) was shorter than in patients with noneosinophilic exacerbations (5.0 [range, 1-19] vs 6.5 [range, 1-33]; P = .015) following treatment with oral corticosteroids and independent of treatment prior to admission. Readmission rates at 12 months were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study patients presenting to the hospital with a severe eosinophilic exacerbation of COPD had a shorter length of stay. The exacerbations were usually not associated with elevated C-reactive protein levels, suggesting that better treatment stratification of exacerbations can be used. TRIAL REGISTRY: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN05557928.

A self-management programme for COPD: a randomised controlled trial.

Studies of programmes of self-management support for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been inconclusive. The Self-Management Programme of Activity, Coping and Education (SPACE) FOR COPD is a 6-week self-management intervention for COPD, and this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention in primary care. A single-blind randomised controlled trial recruited people with COPD from primary care and randomised participants to receive usual care or SPACE FOR COPD. Outcome measures were performed at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months. The primary outcome was symptom burden, measured by the self-reported Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ-SR) dyspnoea domain. Secondary outcomes included other domains of the CRQ-SR, shuttle walking tests, disease knowledge, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, smoking status and healthcare utilisation. 184 people with COPD were recruited and randomised. At 6 weeks, there were significant differences between groups in CRQ-SR dyspnoea, fatigue and emotion scores, exercise performance, anxiety, and disease knowledge. At 6 months, there was no between-group difference in change in CRQ-SR dyspnoea. Exercise performance, anxiety and smoking status were significantly different between groups at 6 months, in favour of the intervention. This brief self-management intervention did not improve dyspnoea over and above usual care at 6 months; however, there were gains in anxiety, exercise performance, and disease knowledge.

An early rehabilitation intervention to enhance recovery during hospital admission for an exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease: randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether an early rehabilitation intervention initiated during acute admission for exacerbations of chronic respiratory disease reduces the risk of readmission over 12 months and ameliorates the negative effects of the episode on physical performance and health status. DESIGN: Prospective, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: An acute cardiorespiratory unit in a teaching hospital and an acute medical unit in an affiliated teaching district general hospital, United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: 389 patients aged between 45 and 93 who within 48 hours of admission to hospital with an exacerbation of chronic respiratory disease were randomised to an early rehabilitation intervention (n=196) or to usual care (n=193). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was readmission rate at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included number of hospital days, mortality, physical performance, and health status. The primary analysis was by intention to treat, with prespecified per protocol analysis as a secondary outcome. INTERVENTIONS: Participants in the early rehabilitation group received a six week intervention, started within 48 hours of admission. The intervention comprised prescribed, progressive aerobic, resistance, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation training. Patients also received a self management and education package. RESULTS: Of the 389 participants, 320 (82%) had a primary diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 233 (60%) were readmitted at least once in the following year (62% in the intervention group and 58% in the control group). No significant difference between groups was found (hazard ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval 0.86 to 1.43, P=0.4). An increase in mortality was seen in the intervention group at one year (odds ratio 1.74, 95% confidence interval 1.05 to 2.88, P=0.03). Significant recovery in physical performance and health status was seen after discharge in both groups, with no significant difference between groups at one year. CONCLUSION: Early rehabilitation during hospital admission for chronic respiratory disease did not reduce the risk of subsequent readmission or enhance recovery of physical function following the event over 12 months. Mortality at 12 months was higher in the intervention group. The results suggest that beyond current standard physiotherapy practice, progressive exercise rehabilitation should not be started during the early stages of the acute illness.Trial registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN05557928.

How do informal self-care strategies evolve among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease managed in primary care? A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: There is much description in the literature of how patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) manage their breathlessness and engage in self-care activities; however, little of this is from the perspective of those with less severe disease, who are primarily managed in primary care. This study aimed to understand the self-care experiences of patients with COPD who are primarily managed in primary care, and to examine the challenges of engaging in such behaviors. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were carried out with 15 patients with COPD as part of a larger project evaluating a self-management intervention. Thematic analysis was supported by NVivo software (version 8, QSR International, Melbourne, Australia). RESULTS: Three main themes are described, ie, experiencing and understanding symptoms of COPD, current self-care activities, and the importance of family perceptions in managing COPD. CONCLUSION: Self-care activities evolved spontaneously as participants experienced symptoms of COPD. However, there was a lack of awareness about whether these strategies would impact upon symptoms. Perceptions of COPD by family members posed a challenge to self-care for some participants. Health care professionals should elicit patients' prior disease experiences and utilize spontaneous attempts at disease management in future self-management. These findings have implications for promoting self-management and enhancing quality of life.

Validation of the i-BODE index as a predictor of hospitalization and mortality in patients with COPD participating in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the value of the i-BODE index to predict hospital admission and to confirm its usefulness to predict mortality in a Danish population. The incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) is widely used in the UK and Europe and previous work has examined the replacement of the 6MWT with the ISWT within the BODE index for predicting the prognosis of COPD (i-BODE). The 674 patients included in the analysis participated in a 7-week pulmonary rehabilitation program from 2002 to 2011. The National Health Services Central Register ascertained vital status and provided information on all hospital admissions. The mean follow-up period was 66 months (range 11-118 months). Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify factors that significantly predicted mortality and time to first hospital admission. The i-BODE index as well as body mass index, MRC dyspnea grade, and exercise capacity (ISWT) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. The adjusted hazard ratio for death per one point increase in the i-BODE score was 1.28 (95% confidence interval 1.20 to 1.37). The i-BODE index was also a significant predictor of hospitalization, both for all causes and COPD exacerbation. Patients in the highest i-BODE quartile had a median time to first hospitalization of 17 months compared to 51 months for patients in the lowest quartile. The i-BODE index is a significant predictor of hospital admission and thus health care utilization, and also mortality.

Differences in content and organisational aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes.

The aim was to study the overall content and organisational aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes from a global perspective in order to get an initial appraisal on the degree of heterogeneity worldwide. A 12-question survey on content and organisational aspects was completed by representatives of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes that had previously participated in the European Respiratory Society (ERS) COPD Audit. Moreover, all ERS members affiliated with the ERS Rehabilitation and Chronic Care and/or Physiotherapists Scientific Groups, all members of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and all American Thoracic Society Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assembly members were asked to complete the survey via multiple e-mailings. The survey has been completed by representatives of 430 centres from 40 countries. The findings demonstrate large differences among pulmonary rehabilitation programmes across continents for all aspects that were surveyed, including the setting, the case mix of individuals with a chronic respiratory disease, composition of the pulmonary rehabilitation team, completion rates, methods of referral and types of reimbursement. The current findings stress the importance of future development of processes and performance metrics to monitor pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, to be able to start international benchmarking, and to provide recommendations for international standards based on evidence and best practice.

The development and pilot testing of the self-management programme of activity, coping and education for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (SPACE for COPD).

PURPOSE: There is no independent standardized self-management approach available for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this project was to develop and test a novel self-management manual for individuals with COPD. PATIENTS: Participants with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD were recruited from primary care. METHODS: A novel self-management manual was developed with health care professionals and patients. Five focus groups were conducted with individuals with COPD (N = 24) during development to confirm and enhance the content of the prototype manual. The Self-management Programme of Activity, Coping and Education for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (SPACE for COPD) manual was developed as the focus of a comprehensive self-management approach facilitated by health care professionals. Preference for delivery was initial face-to-face consultation with telephone follow-up. The SPACE for COPD manual was piloted with 37 participants in primary care. Outcome measures included the Self-Report Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire, Incremental Shuttle Walk Test, and Endurance Shuttle Walking Test (ESWT); measurements were taken at baseline and 6 weeks. RESULTS: The pilot study observed statistically significant improvements for the dyspnea domain of the Self-Report Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire and ESWT. Dyspnea showed a mean change of 0.67 (95% confidence interval 0.23-1.11, P = 0.005). ESWT score increased by 302.25 seconds (95% confidence interval 161.47-443.03, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This article describes the development and delivery of a novel self-management approach for COPD. The program, incorporating the SPACE for COPD manual, appears to provoke important changes in exercise capacity and breathlessness for individuals with COPD managed in primary care.

Does body mass index influence the outcomes of a Waking-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme in COPD?

Body mass index (BMI) is an important prognostic measure in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its effects on pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a walking-based PR programme across the BMI range and the impact of BMI on exercise performance and health status. A total of 601 patients with COPD completed a PR programme. The effects of BMI on exercise capacity (incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests (ISWT and ESWT)) and health status (chronic respiratory questionnaire (CRQ)) before and after PR were evaluated. 16% of patients were underweight, with 53% overweight or obese. At baseline, the obese had worse ISWT (-54 m ± 14 m; p = 0.001) despite a higher predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (7.4m ± 1.6%; p < 0.001). Patients in all BMI categories made clinically important improvements in ISWT distance: BMI <21, 62 m; 21-25, 59 m; 25-30, 59 m; >30, 65 m (p = < 0.001). All four domains of the CRQ increased above the level of clinical significance for all BMI categories (all p < 0.001). The majority of patients with COPD were overweight associated with a lower walking capacity. A walking-based PR programme was comparably effective across the BMI spectrum. Patients with COPD should be referred for standard PR, independent of BMI.

Development of the i-BODE: validation of the incremental shuttle walking test within the BODE index.

BACKGROUND: The BODE index has been shown to predict mortality in COPD. The index includes the 6 min walking test as the measure of exercise capacity. The incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) is an alternative measure of exercise capacity which can be used to prescribe exercise and has been found to correlate well with peak VO2. The objective of the study was to evaluate the incorporation of the ISWT within the BODE index (named the i-BODE) to predict mortality in COPD. METHODS: Data was analysed from 633 patients with COPD attending pulmonary rehabilitation over an 11 year period, and mortality determined a minimum of one year on from initial assessment. An i-BODE score was calculated using ISWT(m) then Cox regression analysis evaluated the capacity of the index to predict risk of death. RESULTS: BMI, ISWT (m), MRC dyspnoea score, pack years and age were all significantly associated with mortality. Cox regression revealed the i-BODE index was an independent and significant predictor of mortality (hazard ratio 1.27 (CI 1.17-1.35), p < 0.001) and Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed each quartile increase in severity in i-BODE score was significantly associated with increased mortality (p < 0.001 by log rank test). CONCLUSION: We have found the i-BODE index to be an independent predictor of mortality in COPD, even when other strong predictors such as age and pack years are adjusted for. We conclude that the ISWT can be successfully substituted for the 6MWT as an alternative measure of exercise capacity within the BODE index.

The development of a self-reported version of the chronic heart questionnaire.

PURPOSE: Health status is increasingly recognized as an important outcome for the management of chronic heart failure (CHF). The Chronic Heart Questionnaire (CHQ) is valid, reliable, and responsive but is interview led. The aim of this study was to develop a self-reported version (CHQ-SR) to aid practical application of the questionnaire. The validity, repeatability, and responsiveness were investigated. METHODS: Patients with CHF (n = 54) were recruited; 50 completed both CHQs-the self-reported (CHQ-SR) and the interview led (CHQ-IL)-within a 2-week period with the order of administration alternated. Patients (n = 43) completed the CHQ-SR twice within a 2-week period. Construct validity was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, and the responsiveness was assessed using a randomized controlled trial of exercise rehabilitation versus usual care. RESULTS: The CHQ-SR was comparable but not interchangeable with the CHQ-IL. There were no significant differences between the mean scores for each domain on 2 administrations of the CHQ-SR, except for a small improvement in the emotional function domain. There were moderate-to-high correlations between the domains of the CHQ-SR and relevant components of the SF-36. The CHQ-SR was as responsive as the CHQ-IL when applied to a randomized controlled trial of exercise rehabilitation versus usual care in patients with CHF. CONCLUSION: The CHQ-SR is comparable with the CHQ-IL and is repeatable. It has construct validity with other health status measures and is responsive. The advantage of not requiring interviewer time and associated cost provides for a practical administration of the questionnaire.

Seasonal variations affect physical activity and pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes.

Seasonal differences may influence levels of physical activity and outcomes of a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program. This study examined the effect of seasonal variations upon baseline measures and outcomes of physical activity, exercise performance, and health status in PR. Stable patients (N = 95) with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were studied and placed into the seasonal group corresponding to when PR commenced: spring (n = 18), summer (n = 23), autumn (n = 34), winter (n = 20). Physical activity was measured by a uniaxial accelerometer, exercise performance by the Incremental Shuttle Walking Test (ISWT), and health status by the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire-Self Reported. Patients who commenced PR in the winter had lower levels of physical activity at baseline (P = .02) and attained the largest improvements when compared with any other seasonal group (P = .04). No seasonal variation was detected in ISWT scores or health status either prior to or upon completion of PR. The results of this study suggest that levels of daily activity may be vulnerable to seasonal variations and this should be considered when examining physical activity levels in patients with COPD.

Can individualized rehabilitation improve functional independence in elderly patients with COPD?

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to establish whether pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves domestic function and daily activity levels in COPD and whether individually targeted exercise is more effective than general exercise. DESIGN: Prospective randomized, controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient PR program in secondary care. PARTICIPANTS: One-hundred eighty patients (mean [+/-SD] age, 68.3 +/- 8.6 years; FEV1, 0.95 +/- 0.4 L; FEV1/FVC ratio, 0.51 +/- 0.15; 111 male patients; 69 female patients) with stable COPD. One hundred twenty-one patients completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to a conventional 7-week general exercise program ([GEP] n = 90) or an individually targeted exercise program ([ITEP] n = 90). MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS: Daily activity was measured using ambulatory activity monitors (Z80 -32k V1 Int; Gaehwiler Electronics; Hombrechtikon, Switzerland). These were lightweight devices, which contained a uniaxial accelerometer. Domestic function was assessed by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Exercise performance was assessed by the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and the endurance shuttle walk test and health status by the chronic respiratory questionnaire-self-reported. Activity monitor counts increased by 29.18% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.19 to 55.17; p = 0.03) for the GEP and 40.63% (95% CI, 7.42 to 73.83; p = 0.02) for the ITEP. Mean COPM performance scores increased by 1.71 (95% CI, 1.37 to 2.05; p = 0.0001) for the GEP and 1.46 (95% CI, 1.05 to 1.87; p = 0.0001) for the ITEP. Mean COPM satisfaction scores increased by 2.27 (95% CI, 1.74 to 2.81; p = 0.0001) for the GEP and 2.04 (95% CI, 1.56 to 2.52; p = 0.0001) for the ITEP. ISWT scores increased by 81.72 m (range, 63.83 to 99.62) for the GEP and by 85.52 m (range, 67.62 to 103.42) for the ITEP. No statistically significant difference was found between the general exercise group and the individually targeted exercise group for any outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation improves domestic function and physical activity. This study also demonstrates that general exercise training is as effective as individually targeted training.