scholarly journals Management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations in Internal Medicine

2013 ◽  
pp. 199-214
Author(s):  
Gelorma Belmonte ◽  
Marilena Muratori ◽  
Paolo Leandri ◽  
Angelo Pasquale ◽  
Massimo Reta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Medicine ◽  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Cause Of Death ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Copd Exacerbations ◽  
Wide Range

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the second leading cause of hospitalization in Internal Medicine departments in Italy and the fourth leading cause of death all over the word. By 2020, COPD will be the third leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. It is — along with chronic congestive heart failure — one of the most common causes of unscheduled hospital readmissions, and as such it represents a significant economic burden for the health-care system. Exacerbations of COPD are important events in the natural history of this prevalent condition. Discussion: This review provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art look at prevention and management of COPD exacerbations. Treatment of these episodes has to be tailored to the severity of the clinical presentation. We now have a wide range of therapeutic available options, based on the results of clinical trials. Management of the acute event should include the necessary measures (mainly the administration of inhaled short-acting bronchodilators, inhaled or oral corticosteroids, and antibiotics), with or without oxygen and ventilator support. Conclusions: To improve the management of COPD exacerbations, the focus of care must be shifted from the episodic acute complications to their systematic prevention. The management of COPD, which is often associated with multiple co-morbidities, is complex and requires a tailored, multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach. Integrated care for COPD also requires that patients be informed about their condition, that they participate actively in their care, and that they have easy access to the necessary health-care services.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Home Telemonitoring Use Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Qualitative Study

10.2196/16343 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. e16343 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Lundell ◽  
Mari Modig ◽  
Åsa Holmner ◽  
Karin Wadell
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Home Telemonitoring

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health problem and an economic burden globally. There is growing interest in how electronic health (eHealth) can be used to provide efficient health care. Telemonitoring, where the patient’s health-related data is transmitted to a health care provider, can be used to detect early signs of exacerbations. A successful implementation of telemonitoring systems into clinical practice requires in-depth knowledge of the users’ preferences. Objective The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of the use of a home telemonitoring system among patients with COPD. Methods Semistructured individual interviews were carried out with 8 women and 5 men who were participants in a project aimed at developing and evaluating a telemonitoring system. The web-based telemonitoring system measured pulmonary function, subjective symptoms, and oxygen saturation. Participants were interviewed after having used the system for 2-4 months. Interview transcripts were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. Results The analysis resulted in the theme A transition toward increased control and security and four categories: using with (in)security, affecting technical concern or confidence, providing easy access to health care, and increasing control over the disease. The participants reported various perceptions of using the telemonitoring system. They expressed initial feelings of insecurity, both in terms of operating the system and in terms of their disease. However, the practical management of the telemonitoring system became easier with time; the participants gradually gained confidence and improved their self-management. New technology was perceived as an important complement to existing health care, but the importance of maintaining a human contact in real life or through the telemonitoring system was emphasized. Conclusions This study captured a transition among the participants from being insecure and experiencing technical concerns to acquiring technical confidence and improving disease management. Telemonitoring can be a valuable complement to health care, leading to increased self-knowledge, a sense of security, and improved self-management. Suggestions to improve the further development and implementation of telemonitoring systems include better patient education and the involvement of end users in the technical development process. Additional research is needed, particularly in the design of user-friendly systems, as well as in developing tools to predict which patients are most likely to find the equipment useful, as this may result in increased empowerment, improved quality of life, reduced costs, and a contribution to equity in health.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Home Telemonitoring Use Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Lundell ◽  
Mari Modig ◽  
Åsa Holmner ◽  
Karin Wadell
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Easy Access ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Major Health Problem ◽  
Home Telemonitoring

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major health problem and an economic burden globally. There is growing interest in how electronic health (eHealth) can be used to provide efficient health care. Telemonitoring, where the patient’s health-related data is transmitted to a health care provider, can be used to detect early signs of exacerbations. A successful implementation of telemonitoring systems into clinical practice requires in-depth knowledge of the users’ preferences. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of the use of a home telemonitoring system among patients with COPD. METHODS Semistructured individual interviews were carried out with 8 women and 5 men who were participants in a project aimed at developing and evaluating a telemonitoring system. The web-based telemonitoring system measured pulmonary function, subjective symptoms, and oxygen saturation. Participants were interviewed after having used the system for 2-4 months. Interview transcripts were analyzed with qualitative content analysis. RESULTS The analysis resulted in the theme <i>A transition toward increased control and security</i> and four categories: using with (in)security, affecting technical concern or confidence, providing easy access to health care, and increasing control over the disease. The participants reported various perceptions of using the telemonitoring system. They expressed initial feelings of insecurity, both in terms of operating the system and in terms of their disease. However, the practical management of the telemonitoring system became easier with time; the participants gradually gained confidence and improved their self-management. New technology was perceived as an important complement to existing health care, but the importance of maintaining a human contact in real life or through the telemonitoring system was emphasized. CONCLUSIONS This study captured a transition among the participants from being insecure and experiencing technical concerns to acquiring technical confidence and improving disease management. Telemonitoring can be a valuable complement to health care, leading to increased self-knowledge, a sense of security, and improved self-management. Suggestions to improve the further development and implementation of telemonitoring systems include better patient education and the involvement of end users in the technical development process. Additional research is needed, particularly in the design of user-friendly systems, as well as in developing tools to predict which patients are most likely to find the equipment useful, as this may result in increased empowerment, improved quality of life, reduced costs, and a contribution to equity in health.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document