Adherence to the GOLD Guidelines in Primary Care: Data from the Swiss COPD Cohort.

(1) Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and its associated morbidity and mortality are a global burden on both affected patients and healthcare systems. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) issues guidelines with the aim of improving COPD management. Previous studies reported significant variability in adherence to these recommendations. The objective of this study was to evaluate Swiss primary practitioners' adherence to the GOLD guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of stable COPD. (2) Methods: We studied patients who were included in the Swiss COPD cohort study, an ongoing prospective study in a primary care setting, between 2015 and 2022. The key inclusion criteria are age ≥ 40 years, FEV1/FVC ratio < 70%, and a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years. Adherence to the GOLD guidelines was assessed per visit and over time. (3) Results: The data of 225 COPD patients (mean age 67 ± 9 years, 64% male) and their respective 1163 visits were analyzed. In 65% of visits (726/1121), treatment was prescribed according to the GOLD guidelines. Non-adherence was most common in GOLD groups A and B (64% and 33%) and mainly consisted of over-treatment (two long-acting bronchodilators in group A (98/195, 50%) and ICS in groups A (21/195, 11%) and B (198/808, 25%)). In group D, the prescriptions conformed with the guidelines in 99% of cases (109/108). Guideline adherence was associated with high symptom load (COPD Assessment Test) (OR 1.04, p = 0.002), high number of exacerbations (OR = 2.07, p < 0.001), asthma overlap (OR 3.36, p = 0.049), and diabetes mellitus (OR 2.82, p = 0.045). (4) Conclusion: These results confirm a conflict between the GOLD recommendations and primary practice, mainly concerning over-treatment in GOLD groups A and B. Patients with high symptom load, high exacerbation risk, asthma overlap, and diabetes mellitus are more likely to be treated in conformity with the guidelines. Further research is needed to uncover the reasons for the discrepancies and to design strategies for improvement.

Switching COPD patients from the disposable to the new reusable Respimat soft mist inhaler: a real-world study from Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: The aims of the survey were to assess first experiences of Swiss COPD patients switching from the disposable to the new reusable Respimat inhaler, and to evaluate physicians´ and patients´ views of the new training material. METHODS: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD using a disposable Respimat inhaler for at least three months were included. Patients´ demographics, COPD stage, current treatment, and comorbidities relevant for the handling of the device were assessed. Further, patients were trained on the reusable Respimat by placebo inhaler, patient brochure, video cards/demo films and SMS reminder service. After at least one cartridge change, patients gave comprehensive feedback on their satisfaction with the reusable Respimat and physicians evaluated the need for re-training. RESULTS: 235 patients participated in the survey. Of these, 37% suffered from comorbidities restricting the handling of the Respimat. 216 (92%) patients had a better overall satisfaction with the reusable than with the disposable Respimat. Dose counter (86%), monthly preparation (81%) and daily handling (77%) were also assessed as better by most of the patients. In 80% of cases, the user ability was stated as better than for the disposable Respimat. Less than 15% of the patients required further training. Placebo inhaler was the mostly preferred training material by both, physicians (in 86% of the patients) and patients (75%). In patients with comorbidities affecting inhaler handling, overall satisfaction was also better in 86% of the patients. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients were satisfied with the new reusable Respimat device and proper handling could be attained using the provided training material, even in patients with restricting comorbidities.

Adherence to GOLD Recommendations among Swiss Pulmonologists and General Practitioners.

Significant variability in adherence to COPD management recommendations has been reported. We aimed to evaluate real-life COPD pharmacotherapy prescribing patterns and adherence to the 2017 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) global strategy in Switzerland. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among Swiss general practitioners (GPs) and pulmonologists (PULs) from May 1 to November 30, 2017. Participants were invited to complete a questionnaire on their next 5-10 consecutive patients already receiving a pharmacological treatment for COPD. They were requested to assess dyspnea using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale and to determine whether a treatment adjustment was indicated. Fifty-three PULs and 39 GPs completed questionnaires on 511 COPD patients. Dyspnea with mMRC grade ≥2 was reported in 62.5% of the patients, and 31.9% had had at least two exacerbations (or at least one with hospital admission) in the last 12 months. The vast majority (87.1%) of GOLD A patients were overtreated. In the GOLD B group, 52.2% of prescriptions were concordant with GOLD 2017 recommendations, but 37% of patients were overtreated. Among GOLD C patients, 49.2% received GOLD-adherent treatment and 47.5% were overtreated. In the GOLD D category, 78.8% of the patients received a treatment consistent with recommendations but 15.2% were undertreated. After reassessment of patient status, treatment was modified in 50.3% of the patients. This study confirms that discordance of real-world prescription patterns with international guidance is frequent. Further educational efforts are required to improve adherence to COPD management recommendations.

Oral corticosteroids for post-infectious cough in adults: study protocol for a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in Swiss family practices (OSPIC trial).

BACKGROUND: Cough is a common reason for patients to visit general practices. So-called post-infectious cough is defined as lasting 3 to 8 weeks after an upper respiratory tract infection. It can be disabling in daily activities, with substantial impact on physical and psychosocial health, leading to impaired quality of life and increased health care costs. Recommendations for the management of post-infectious cough in primary care are scarce and incoherent. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials (RCT) assessing patient-relevant benefits and potential harms of available treatments identified six eligible RCTs assessing different treatment regimens (i.e. inhaled fluticasone propionate, inhaled budesonide, salbutamol plus ipratropium-bromide, montelukast, nociception-opioid-1-receptor agonist, codeine, gelatine). No RCT found clear patient-relevant benefits and most had an unclear or high risk of bias. Post-infectious cough is thought to be mediated by inflammatory processes that are also present in exacerbations of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases for which there is strong evidence that oral corticosteroids provide patient-relevant benefit without relevant harm. We therefore plan to conduct the first RCT evaluating the effectiveness of oral corticosteroids for post-infectious cough. METHODS: We are conducting a triple-blinded randomized-controlled and multicentred superiority trial in primary health care practices in Switzerland. We will include 204 adult patients who consult their general practitioner (GP) for a cough lasting 3 to 8 weeks following an upper respiratory tract infection. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the 5-day treatment with oral corticosteroids or placebo. The primary outcome is cough-related quality of life assessed by the Leicester Cough Questionnaire score 14 days after randomization. Secondary outcomes include cough-related quality of life at several time points, overall cessation of cough and adverse events. DISCUSSION: This RCT will provide evidence on whether oral corticosteroids are beneficial and safe in patients with post-infectious cough. Results can have a substantial impact on the well-being and management of these patients in Switzerland and beyond. An evidence-based treatment for this condition may reduce re-consultations with GPs and spending for antitussive drugs, thus possibly having an impact on health care spending. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04232449 . Prospectively registered on 18 January 2020.

Screening for obstructive sleep apnea among hospital outpatients.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is common in adults. People with OSAS have a higher risk of experiencing traffic accidents and occupational injuries (OIs). We aimed to clarify the diagnostic performance of a three-channel screening device (ApneaLinkTM) compared with the gold standard of full-night attended polysomnography (PSG) among hospital outpatients not referred for sleep-related symptoms. Furthermore, we aimed to determine whether manual revision of the ApneaLinkTM autoscore enhanced diagnostic performance. METHODS: We investigated 68 patients with OI and 44 without OI recruited from the University Hospital Basel emergency room, using a cross-sectional study design. Participating patients spent one night at home with ApneaLinkTM and within 2 weeks slept for one night at the sleep laboratory. We reanalyzed all ApneaLinkTM data after manual revision. RESULTS: We identified significant correlations between the ApneaLinkTM apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) autoscore and the AHI derived by PSG (r = 0.525; p <0.001) and between the ApneaLinkTM oxygen desaturation index (ODI) autoscore and that derived by PSG (r = 0.722; p <0.001). The ApneaLinkTM autoscore showed a sensitivity and specificity of 82% when comparing AHI ≥5 with the cutoff for AHI and/or ODI ≥15 from PSG. In Bland Altman plots the mean difference between ApneaLinkTM AHI autoscore and PSG was 2.75 with SD ± 8.80 (ß = 0.034), and between ApneaLinkTM AHI revised score and PSG -1.50 with SD ± 9.28 (ß = 0.060). CONCLUSIONS: The ApneaLinkTM autoscore demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity compared with the gold standard (full-night attended PSG). However, Bland Altman plots revealed substantial fluctuations between PSG and ApneaLinkTM AHI autoscore respectively manually revised score. This spread for the AHI from a clinical perspective is large, and therefore the results have to be interpreted with caution. Furthermore, our findings suggest that there is no clinical benefit in manually revising the ApneaLinkTM autoscore.

Feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of integrated care for COPD patients: a mixed methods evaluation of a pilot community-based programme.

QUESTION UNDER STUDY: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of a pilot COPD integrated care programme implemented in Valais, Switzerland. METHODS: The programme was adapted from the self-management programme Living Well with COPD, and included the following elements: self-management patient-education group sessions, telephone and medical follow-ups, multidisciplinary teams, training of healthcare professionals, and evidence-based COPD care. A process and outcome evaluation of the pilot phase of the programme was conducted by means of qualitative and quantitative methods. Reach (coverage, participation rates), dosage (interventions carried out), fidelity (delivered as intended) and stakeholders' acceptance of the programme were evaluated through data monitoring and conduct of focus groups with patients and healthcare professionals. Effectiveness was assessed with pre-post analyses (before and after the intervention). The primary outcome measures were; (1) generic and disease-specific quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire); and (2) hospitalisations (all-cause and for acute exacerbations) in the past 12 months. Secondary outcomes included self-efficacy, number of exacerbations and exercise capacity. Finally, controlled pre-post comparisons were also made with patients from the Swiss COPD Cohort for three common outcome measures (dyspnoea [mMRC score], number of exacerbations and smoking status). RESULTS: During the first 2 years of the programme, eight series of group-based education sessions were delivered to 57 patients with COPD in three different locations of the canton of Valais. Coverage objectives were achieved and attendance rate at the education sessions was high (83.6%). Patients' and healthcare professionals' reported a high degree of satisfaction, except for multidisciplinarity and transfer of information. Exploration of the effectiveness of this pilot programme suggested positive pre-post results at 12 months, with improvements in terms of health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, exercise capacity, immunisation coverage and Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care score. No other outcome, including the number of hospital admissions, differed significantly after 12 months. We observed no differences from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of the programme and confirmed the relevance of mixed method process evaluation to adjust and improve programme implementation. The introduction of multidisciplinary teams in a context characterised by fragmentation of care was identified as the main challenge in the programme implementation and could not be achieved as expected. Despite this area for improvement, patients' feedback and early effectiveness results confirmed the benefits of COPD integrated care programmes emphasising self-management education.

The Integrated Care of Asthma in Switzerland (INCAS) Study: Changes in Asthma Control and Perception of Health Care through Asthma Education.

BACKGROUND: Despite great efforts in establishing optimal asthma management, asthma may remain uncontrolled. To effectively manage chronic diseases, such as asthma, it is important to train patients in self-management skills. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the potential benefit of standardised asthma education in Switzerland for asthma control and patients' perception of received asthma care and of self-management support. METHODS: For this multicentre longitudinal controlled study, asthma patients were recruited in Switzerland. The Asthma Control Test (ACT) was used to assess asthma control. The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care questionnaire (PACIC 5A) was applied to evaluate received health-care services and self-management support. Patients were offered the possibility to attend asthma education sessions conducted by the Swiss Lung League and Swiss Allergy Centre. After 1 year, attenders and non-attenders completed the questionnaires again. Changes in ACT and PACIC 5A scores were analysed using dependent t tests. RESULTS: Overall, 223 patients with asthma were investigated (mean age 43 ± 12 years, 38% male, 13% current smokers, 29% ex-smokers). Sixty-one (27%) patients attended education sessions. Both groups had improved asthma control at follow-up (attenders: t(56) = -3.2, r = 0.4 [medium effect size], p = 0.002; non-attenders: t(141) = -2.6, r = 0.2 [small effect size], p = 0.010). Attenders improved in PACIC and 5A sum scores (t(50) = -3.6, r = 0.5 [medium effect size], p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive self-management asthma education programme in Switzerland improved asthma control and patients' perception of received asthma care and of self-management support. Professionals should motivate patients to attend asthma education in order to become active partners in managing their disease.

Association of Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity with Aerobic Capacity in a Working Population.

INTRODUCTION: Objective data on the association of maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max) with work related physical activity are sparse. Thus, it is not clear whether occupational physical activity (OPA) contributes to an increase of VO2max. This study examined the association of VO2max with work and non-work related physical activity in a Swiss working population. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 337 healthy and full-time employed adults were recruited. Demographic data, height, weight and BMI were recorded in all subjects. Participants were classified into nine occupational categories (ISCO-88) and merged into three groups with low, moderate, and high OPA. Physical activity was objectively measured by the SenseWear Mini Armband on seven consecutive days (23 hours per day). Participants were regarded as sufficiently active when accumulating ≥30 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day. VO2max was evaluated using the multistage 20-meter shuttle run test. RESULTS: Data of 303 participants were considered for analysis (63% male, age 33 yrs, SD 12). Multiple linear regression analysis (adjusted R2 = 0.69) revealed significant positive associations of VO2max with leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) at vigorous intensity (ß = 0.212) and sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (ß = 0.100) on workdays. Female gender (ß = -0.622), age (ß = -0.264), BMI (ß = -0.220), the ratio of maximum to resting heart rate (ß = 0.192), occupational group (low vs. high OPA, ß = -0.141), and smoking (ß = -0.133) were also identified as independent predictors of VO2max. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that VO2max is positively associated with LTPA, but not with OPA on workdays. This finding emphasizes the need for employees to engage in sufficient high-intensity physical activity in recreation for maintaining or improving VO2max with regard to health benefits.

Predictors of Increased Daytime Sleepiness in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background. Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) suffer from increased daytime sleepiness. The aim of this study was to identify potential predictors of subjective daytime sleepiness with special regard to sleep-related breathing disorder and nocturnal activity. Methods. COPD patients were recruited at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland. COPD risk groups A-D were determined according to spirometry and COPD Assessment Test (CAT). Breathing disorder evaluation was performed with the ApneaLink device. Nocturnal energy expenditure was measured with the SenseWear Mini Armband. Subjective daytime sleepiness was recorded using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results. Twenty-two patients (36%) were in COPD risk group A, 28 patients (45%) in risk group B, and 12 patients (19%) in risk groups C + D (n = 62). Eleven patients (18%) had a pathological ESS ≥ 10/24. ESS correlated positively with CAT (r = 0.386, p < 0.01) and inversely with age (r = -0.347, p < 0.01). In multiple linear regression age (ß = -0.254, p < 0.05), AHI (ß = 0.287, p < 0.05) and CAT score (ß = 0.380, p < 0.01) were independent predictors of ESS, while nocturnal energy expenditure showed no significant association (p = 0.619). Conclusion. These findings provide evidence that daytime sleepiness in COPD patients may partly be attributable to nocturnal respiratory disturbances and it seems to mostly affect younger patients with more severe COPD symptoms.

Physical Workload and Work Capacity across Occupational Groups.

This study aimed to determine physical performance criteria of different occupational groups by investigating physical activity and energy expenditure in healthy Swiss employees in real-life workplaces on workdays and non-working days in relation to their aerobic capacity (VO2max). In this cross-sectional study, 337 healthy and full-time employed adults were recruited. Participants were classified (nine categories) according to the International Standard Classification of Occupations 1988 and merged into three groups with low-, moderate- and high-intensity occupational activity. Daily steps, energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents and activity at different intensities were measured using the SenseWear Mini armband on seven consecutive days (23 hours/day). VO2max was determined by the 20-meter shuttle run test. Data of 303 subjects were considered for analysis (63% male, mean age: 33 yrs, SD 12), 101 from the low-, 102 from the moderate- and 100 from the high-intensity group. At work, the high-intensity group showed higher energy expenditure, metabolic equivalents, steps and activity at all intensities than the other groups (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in physical activity between the occupational groups on non-working days. VO2max did not differ across groups when stratified for gender. The upper workload limit was 21%, 29% and 44% of VO2max in the low-, moderate- and high-intensity group, respectively. Men had a lower limit than women due to their higher VO2max (26% vs. 37%), when all groups were combined. While this study did confirm that the average workload limit is one third of VO2max, it showed that the average is misrepresenting the actual physical work demands of specific occupational groups, and that it does not account for gender-related differences in relative workload. Therefore, clinical practice needs to consider these differences with regard to a safe return to work, particularly for the high-intensity group.

Relationship between domain-specific physical activity and different body composition measures in a working population.

OBJECTIVE: With respect to the overweight epidemic, this study aimed to investigate the association between domain-specific physical activity and body composition measures in Swiss male employees. METHODS: A total of 192 healthy male adults in full-time employment were investigated. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured and body mass index was calculated. Relative fat mass and relative muscle mass were determined by bioelectric impedance analysis. Physical activity was assessed by the validated International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: In multiple linear regressions, leisure-time activity showed an inverse association with waist circumference and relative fat mass and a positive correlation with relative muscle mass. Work activity was positively related to waist circumference and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that leisure-time activity may be the most effective physical activity domain for body composition. Work activity does not seem to be protective against overweight.

Differences in classification of COPD patients into risk groups A-D: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease proposed in 2011 a new system to classify chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients into risk groups A-D, which considers symptoms and future exacerbation risk to grade disease severity. The aim of this study was to investigate the agreement between COPD risk group classifications using COPD assessment test (CAT) or modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and severity grades or past-year exacerbations. Furthermore, physical activity across risk groups was examined. METHODS: 87 patients with stable COPD were classified into risk groups A-D. CAT and mMRC were completed. Severity grades I-IV were determined using spirometry and the number of past-year exacerbations was recorded. To test the interrater agreement, Cohen's Kappa was calculated. Daily physical activity was measured by the SenseWear Mini armband. RESULTS: Using CAT, 65.5% of patients were in high-symptom groups (B and D). With mMRC, only 37.9% were in B and D. Using severity grades, 20.7% of patients were in high-exacerbation risk groups (C and D). With past-year exacerbations, 9.2% were in C and D. Interrater agreement between CAT and mMRC (κ = 0.21) and between severity grades and past-year exacerbations (κ = 0.31) was fair. Daily steps were reduced in risk groups B and C + D compared to A (p < 0.01), using either classification. CONCLUSIONS: When classifying COPD patients into risk groups A-D, the use of CAT or mMRC and severity grades or past-year exacerbations does not provide equal results. Daily steps decreased with increasing COPD risk groups.

Daily physical activity, functional capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD.

INTRODUCTION: In the therapy of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is a major goal to improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Patients with COPD often suffer from exertional dyspnea and adopt a sedentary lifestyle, which could be associated with poorer HRQOL. The aim of this study was to investigate the independent association of objectively measured daily physical activity and functional capacity with HRQOL in patients with COPD. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study conducted at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, 87 stable patients (58.6% male, mean age: 67.3 ± 9.6 yrs) with COPD in GOLD grades I (n = 23), II (n = 46), III (n = 12) and IV (n = 6) were investigated. To assess HRQOL, the COPD assessment test (CAT) was completed. Patients performed spirometry and 6-min walk test. Physical activity was measured by the SenseWear Mini Armband on 7 consecutive days. By performing a multiple linear regression analysis, independent predictors of CAT score were identified. RESULTS: Age (ß = -0.39, p = 0.001), average daily steps (ß = -0.31, p = 0.033) and 6-min walk distance (ß = -0.32, p = 0.019) were found to be independent predictors of CAT score, whereas physical activity duration above 3 METs (p = 0.498) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s in% of predicted (p = 0.364) showed no significant association. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that average daily steps and functional capacity are independent determinants of HRQOL in patients with COPD. This emphasizes the importance to remain active and mobile, which is associated with better HRQOL.

Impact of adherence to the GOLD guidelines on symptom prevalence, lung function decline and exacerbation rate in the Swiss COPD cohort.

PRINCIPLES: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines aim to optimise chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis and treatment. However, little is known about the extent to which general practitioners' (GP) adherence to GOLD guidelines improves patient outcomes. METHODS: In this questionnaire-based study, COPD patients were screened and enrolled; exacerbation history was recorded, and demographic, spirometric and management data were collected for 12 months. Spirometry was performed at least every 6 months according to American Thoracic Society guidelines. Based on these data, patients were grouped into GOLD COPD severity classifications. Data were expressed as the difference between baseline and month 12. RESULTS: Among 139 GPs, 454 patients were analysed regarding baseline and 12 month data. There was no significant change in distribution of GOLD COPD severity grades, lung function or guideline adherence. Chronic cough and sputum production were significantly reduced (p <0.001; p <0.020), as was exacerbation rate (p = 0.041). Factors associated with exacerbations were male sex, asthma and cerebrovascular insult as a co-morbidity. Exacerbation rate was significantly reduced in patients treated with combination therapy (long-acting ß2-agonist (LABA)+ inhaled corticosteroids (ICS); p = 0.0178) and long-acting anticholinergics (LAAC; p = 0.0011). Patients treated per guidelines had no advantage in lung function, estimation of symptom prevalence or, most importantly, exacerbation rate. CONCLUSIONS: While there was no improvement in adherence to GOLD guidelines, disease severity was not affected detrimentally, suggesting that guideline adherence does not seem to impact symptom prevalence, exacerbation rate or lung function decline after one year of follow up.