The effect of providing feedback on inhaler technique and adherence from an electronic audio recording device, INCA®, in a community pharmacy setting: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Poor adherence to inhaled medication may lead to inadequate symptom control in patients with respiratory disease. In practice it can be difficult to identify poor adherence. We designed an acoustic recording device, the INCA® (INhaler Compliance Assessment) device, which, when attached to an inhaler, identifies and records the time and technique of inhaler use, thereby providing objective longitudinal data on an individual's adherence to inhaled medication. This study will test the hypothesis that providing objective, personalised, visual feedback on adherence to patients in combination with a tailored educational intervention in a community pharmacy setting, improves adherence more effectively than education alone. METHODS/DESIGN: The study is a prospective, cluster randomised, parallel-group, multi-site study conducted over 6 months. The study is designed to compare current best practice in care (i.e. routine inhaler technique training) with the use of the INCA® device for respiratory patients in a community pharmacy setting. Pharmacies are the unit of randomisation and on enrolment to the study they will be allocated by the lead researcher to one of the three study groups (intervention, comparator or control groups) using a computer-generated list of random numbers. Given the nature of the intervention neither pharmacists nor participants can be blinded. The intervention group will receive feedback from the acoustic recording device on inhaler technique and adherence three times over a 6-month period along with inhaler technique training at each of these times. The comparator group will also receive training in inhaler use three times over the 6-month study period but no feedback on their habitual performance. The control group will receive usual care (i.e. the safe supply of medicines and advice on their use). The primary outcome is the rate of participant adherence to their inhaled medication, defined as the proportion of correctly taken doses of medication at the correct time relative to the prescribed interval. Secondary outcomes include exacerbation rates and quality of life measures. Differences in the timing and technique of inhaler use as altered by the interventions will also be assessed. Data will be analysed on an intention-to-treat and a per-protocol basis. Sample size has been calculated with reference to comparisons to be made between the intervention and comparator clusters and indicates 75 participants per cluster. With an estimated 10 % loss to follow-up we will be able to show a 20 % difference between the population means of the intervention and comparator groups with a power of 0.8. The Type I error probability associated with the test of the null hypothesis is 0.05. DISCUSSION: This clinical trial will establish whether providing personalised feedback to individuals on their inhaler use improves adherence. It may also be possible to enhance the role of pharmacists in clinical care by identifying patients in whom alteration of either therapy or inhaler device is appropriate. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02203266 .

Impact of activities in self-esteem of patients in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate self-esteem and self-image of respiratory diseases patients in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, who participated in socialization and physical fitness activities, and of patients who participated only in physical fitness sessions. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional exploratory study. Out of a total of 60 patients analyzed, all enrolled in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, 42 participated in at least one of the proposed activities, 10 did not participate in any activity and 8 were excluded (7 were discharged and 1 died). RESULTS: When the two groups were compared, despite the fact that both demonstrated low self-esteem and self-image, the difference between them was relevant (p<0.05) regarding self-esteem, indicating that those who participated in the proposed socialization activities had better self-esteem than the individuals who only did the physical fitness sessions. Regarding self-image, the difference between the groups was not relevant (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program patients evaluated presented low self-esteem and self-image; however, those carrying out some socialization activity proposed had better self-esteem as compared to the individuals who did only the physical fitness sessions.

Impact of activities in self-esteem of patients in a pulmonary rehabilitation program / Impacto das atividades na autoestima dos pacientes em um programa de reabilitação pulmonar

Objective To evaluate self-esteem and self-image of respiratory diseases patients in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, who participated in socialization and physical fitness activities, and of patients who participated only in physical fitness sessions. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional exploratory study. Out of a total of 60 patients analyzed, all enrolled in the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, 42 participated in at least one of the proposed activities, 10 did not participate in any activity and 8 were excluded (7 were discharged and 1 died). Results When the two groups were compared, despite the fact that both demonstrated low self-esteem and self-image, the difference between them was relevant (p<0.05) regarding self-esteem, indicating that those who participated in the proposed socialization activities had better self-esteem than the individuals who only did the physical fitness sessions. Regarding self-image, the difference between the groups was not relevant (p>0.05). Conclusion The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program patients evaluated presented low self-esteem and self-image; however, those carrying out some socialization activity proposed had better self-esteem as compared to the individuals who did only the physical fitness sessions. .

Objetivo Avaliar a autoestima e a autoimagem de pacientes com doenças respiratórias de um Programa de Reabilitação Pulmonar, que participaram de atividades de socialização e de treinamento físico e de pacientes que participaram apenas de treinamentos físicos. Métodos Estudo exploratório descritivo e transversal. Foram analisados 60 pacientes, todos inclusos em um Programa de Reabilitação Pulmonar. Destes, 42 participaram de pelo menos uma das atividades propostas, 10 não participaram das atividades e 8 foram excluídos (7 tiveram alta e 1 faleceu), não respondendo ao questionário de autoimagem e autoestima. Resultados Quando comparados os dois grupos, apesar de ambos terem apresentado autoestima e autoimagem baixas, a diferença entre eles foi significativa (p<0,05) com relação à autoestima: aqueles que participaram de atividades de socialização propostas pela equipe tiveram autoestima melhor que a dos sujeitos que participam apenas do treinamento físico. Já quanto à autoimagem, a diferença entre os grupos não foi significativa (p>0,05). Conclusão Os pacientes do Programa de Reabilitação Pulmonar avaliados apresentaram baixas autoestima e autoimagem, porém aqueles que realizaram alguma atividade de socialização proposta tiveram a autoestima maior comparada à dos que fizeram apenas o treinamento físico. .

Cognitive functioning in obstructive lung disease: results from the United Kingdom biobank.

OBJECTIVES: To compare domains of cognitive functioning between persons with and without obstructive lung disease (OLD) and to analyze the relationship between cognitive functioning and the degree of airflow limitation. DESIGN: An observational population-based study. SETTING: This research was conducted using the United Kingdom Biobank Resource. PARTICIPANTS: The study population consisted of 43,039 persons with complete data on cognitive functioning and spirometry. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive functioning was compared between persons with and without OLD using linear regression analysis. The relationship between impairment in lung function and cognitive impairment was assessed among persons with OLD. RESULTS: Persons with OLD had significantly worse scores than persons without OLD on prospective memory [ß = -0.15 (-0.22 to -0.09)], visuospatial memory [ß round 1 = 0.06 (0.03‒0.10)]; ß round 2 = 0.09 (<0.001‒0.18)), numeric short-term memory [ß = ‒0.05 (‒0.10 to <0.001)] and cognitive processing speed [ß = 4.62 (1.25‒8.01)] after correction for possible confounders. Impairment in prospective memory [ß = 0.004 (<0.001‒0.01)] and numeric short-term memory [ß = 0.01 (0.003‒0.01)] were weakly related to FEV1 (adjusted P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Persons with OLD experience cognitive impairment in different domains, which is partially related to airway obstruction. In particular, memory and information processing are affected. Further assessment of the relationship with patient-related outcomes is needed to optimize patient-oriented treatment.

Daily activities and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: psychological determinants: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients are confronted with reduced daily activities (DA) and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL) caused by dyspnea and systemic effects such as skeletal muscle dysfunction and co-morbidities. To understand the complexity of living with COPD, it is important to understand which factors, in addition to physical functioning, are associated with DA and HRQoL. In this study, we explored the extent to which the combination of illness perceptions, proactive coping, and depressive symptoms contribute to DA and HRQoL in COPD patients. METHOD: In a cross-sectional study in primary care, 90 COPD patients (GOLD I-III) completed questionnaires: the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Utrecht Proactive Coping Competence scale, the Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, the Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, the Functional Performance Inventory (FPI), and the Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ). The analyses were performed with multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: More adequate and positive illness perceptions (ß = .61, p < .001) and less depressive symptoms (ß = .21, p = .010) were associated with better HRQoL (CCQ). Significant relations between psychological factors and DA were not found. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that psychological factors are related to HRQoL, but not to DA. These results contribute to understanding the complexity of living with COPD and provide starting points for the development of interventions focusing on psychological factors to support COPD patients in disease management.

Obstructive lung diseases and inhaler treatment: results from a national public pragmatic survey.

BACKGROUND: The opinions held by the general population on obstructive lung disease and inhaler devices could influence asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) management and treatment adherence.The aim of the present public pragmatic survey was to evaluate the opinions, beliefs and perceptions of Italian people with respect to respiratory diseases as well as their perspectives on the use of inhaler devices. METHODS: This survey was conducted on a group of 2,008 individuals forming a representative sample of the Italian population aged 15 years and over. It was based on personal interviews that were administered in the homes of the respondents using a structured questionnaire that took approximately 30 minutes. RESULTS: Awareness of obstructive lung diseases is poor. Asthma, but not COPD, was perceived as a common and increasingly prevalent disease by the majority of the interviewees. Allergy, pollution and smoking were considered to be responsible for both of these diseases. The rates at which the respondents claimed to be suffering from asthma and COPD were lower than expected (4% and 2%, respectively). Inhaled drugs were recognised as the main treatment by 65% of the respondents. The great majority of respondents attributed positive characteristics to the inhaler device (e.g., safety, reliability, effectiveness, ease of use and practicality). Compared to people who have never used inhaler devices, individuals who suffer from asthma or COPD were more confident in their use and showed a greater belief in their safety, reliability and trustworthiness. People older than 64 years showed less attention to the properties of these devices. CONCLUSIONS: The present results highlight the need for public interventions aimed at improving awareness of obstructive lung disease and reveal various potentialities and critical issues for inhaler device usage. Switching of devices was considered feasible by most of the interviewees, as long as the choice is carefully explained by their physician.

Comprehensive ICF core set for obstructive pulmonary diseases: validation of the activities and participation component through the patient's perspective.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to validate the Activities and Participation component of the Comprehensive International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) Core Set for Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (OPD) from the patient's perspective. METHODS: A cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of outpatients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Individual interviews were performed and analysed according to the meaning condensation procedure. RESULTS: Fifty-one participants (70.6% male) with a mean age of 69.5 ± 10.8 years old were included. Twenty-one of the 24 categories contained in the Activities and Participation component of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for OPD were identified by the participants. Additionally, seven second-level categories that are not covered by the Core Set were reported: complex interpersonal interactions, informal social relationships, family relationships, conversation, maintaining a body position, eating and preparing meals. CONCLUSIONS: The activities and participation component of the ICF Core Set for OPD was largely supported by the patient's perspective. The categories included in the ICF Core Set that were not confirmed by the participants and the additional categories that were raised need to be further investigated in order to develop an instrument according to the patient's perspective. This will promote a more patient-centred assessments and rehabilitation interventions. Implications for Rehabilitation The Activities and Participation component of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for OPD is largely supported by the perspective of patients with COPD and therefore could be used in the assessment of patients' individual and social life. The information collected through the Activities and Participation component of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for OPD could be used to plan and assess rehabilitation interventions for patients with COPD.

Supporting health behaviour change in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with telephone health-mentoring: insights from a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviours is pivotal to chronic disease self-management as this influences disease progression and impact. This qualitative study investigated health behaviour changes adopted by participants with moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recruited to a randomised controlled study of telephone-delivered health-mentoring. METHODS: Community nurses trained as health-mentors used a patient-centred approach with COPD patients recruited in general practice to facilitate behaviour change, using a framework of health behaviours; 'SNAPPS' Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol, Physical activity, Psychosocial well-being, and Symptom management, through regular phone calls over 12 months. Semi-structured interviews in a purposive sample sought feedback on mentoring and behaviour changes adopted. Interviews were analysed using iterative thematic and interpretative content approaches by two investigators. RESULTS: Of 90 participants allocated to health-mentoring, 65 (72%) were invited for interview at 12-month follow up. The 44 interviewees, 75% with moderate COPD, had a median of 13 mentor contacts over 12 months, range 5-20. Interviewed participants (n=44, 55% male, 43% current smokers, 75% moderate COPD) were representative of the total group with a mean age 65 years while 82% had at least one additional co-morbid chronic condition. Telephone delivery was highly acceptable and enabled good rapport. Participants rated 'being listened to by a caring health professional' as very valuable. Three participant groups were identified by attitude to health behaviour change: 14 (32%) actively making changes; 18 (41%) open to and making some changes and 12 (27%) more resistant to change. COPD severity or current smoking status was not related to group category. Mentoring increased awareness of COPD effects, helping develop and personalise behaviour change strategies, even by those not actively making changes. Physical activity was targeted by 43 (98%) participants and smoking by 14 (74%) current smokers with 21% reporting quitting. Motivation to maintain changes was increased by mentor support. CONCLUSIONS: Telephone delivery of health-mentoring is feasible and acceptable to people with COPD in primary care. Health behaviours targeted by this population, mostly with moderate disease, were mainly physical activity and smoking reduction or cessation. Health-mentoring increased motivation and assisted people to develop strategies for making and sustaining beneficial change. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTR12608000112368.

Newly diagnosed heart failure: change in quality of life, mood, and illness beliefs in the first 6 months after diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: This study sought to examine how patients' mood and quality of life (QoL) change during the early high-risk period after a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) and to identify factors that may influence change. DESIGN: A within-subjects, repeated-measures design was used. Assessments took place within 4 weeks of diagnosis and 6 months later. METHODS: One hundred and sixty six patients with HF completed assessments of their mood, QoL, and beliefs about HF and its treatment. Correlation analysis was conducted between the variables and analysis of variance and t-tests were used to assess differences in categorical variables. To examine which variables predicted mood and QoL, hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted. RESULTS: At follow-up, patients' beliefs indicated a realization of the chronicity of their HF, however their beliefs about the consequences of having HF did not change and their satisfaction with their treatment remained high. QoL and anxiety improved significantly over time but there was no significant change in depressed mood. As would be expected, improvement in symptoms was a key factor in improved mood and QoL. Other significant explanatory variables included age, comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depressed mood, patients' beliefs about the consequences of their HF and their concerns about treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that addressing patients' mood and beliefs about their illness and its treatment may be additional ways of improving patient QoL in the early period after the diagnosis of HF.

Prediction of self-monitoring compliance: application of the theory of planned behaviour to chronic illness sufferers.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes and asthma are chronic illnesses that affect a substantial number of people. The continued high cost of clinic- and hospital-based care provision in these areas could be reduced by patients self-monitoring their condition more effectively. Such a move requires an understanding of how to predict self-monitoring compliance. Ajzen's theory of planned behaviour (TPB) makes it possible to predict those clients who will comply with medical guidelines, prescription drug intake and self-monitoring behaviours (peak flow or blood sugar levels). Ninety-seven clients attending a medical centre located in a large urbanised area of Northern Ireland completed TPB questionnaires. Significant amounts of variance explained by the TPB model indicated its usefulness as a predictor of self-monitoring behaviour intentions in the sample. The results also highlighted the importance of subjective norm and perceived behavioural control within the TPB in predicting intentions. The utility of the TPB in this study also provides evidence for health promotion professionals that costly clinic/hospital treatment provision can be reduced, whilst also being satisfied with ongoing client self-monitoring of their condition.

Mental health problems, obstructive lung disease and lung function: findings from the general population.

OBJECTIVE: There is cumulative evidence for a strong association of obstructive lung disease, i.e. asthma and COPD, with poor mental health, particularly with anxiety disorders and major depression. However, studies relating mental health problems to objective measures of lung function as assessed by spirometry are lacking. METHODS: The 12-month prevalence of specific psychopathological syndromes among 1772 adults from the general population was estimated by a structured interview. Additionally, participants underwent spirometry and were asked about obstructive lung disease in the year prior to the study. Logistic and linear regression models were used to relate obstructive lung disease and spirometrically defined airway obstruction to mental health problems. RESULTS: Mental health problems were found in 35.7% of the participants. After adjusted for sociodemographic, clinical and life-style factors, asthma and chronic bronchitis were associated with almost all domains of mental health problems. In contrast, independent of its definition, spirometric airflow limitation was only related to generalized anxiety (odds ratios ranging from 2.3 to 2.7). A reduced ratio of forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity was associated with mental health problems in general and panic and general anxiety in particular. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest an association of objective measure of airflow limitation to generalized anxiety and panic. While the causal relationship between obstructive lung disease, airflow limitation and anxiety remains to be determined, clinicians should pay diagnostic attention to the significant overlap of these conditions.

Alexithymia in respiratory rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: To date, there are no studies that have investigated the role of alexithymia in respiratory rehabilitation. We aimed to observe the prevalence of alexithymia in patients attending respiratory rehabilitation and to verify the presence of a difference between alexithymics and non-alexithymics responsiveness to the respiratory rehabilitation standard protocol. METHODS: A prospective cohort study evaluating the influence of alexithymia on functional recovery of in-patients afferent to the Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit of IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana. Sixty patients were consecutively enrolled into the study and evaluated for alexithymia, anxiety and depression. Functional recovery was assessed with the six-minute walking test (6MWT). Prior and post-completion of this test dyspnoea, oxygen saturation and cardiac frequency were recorded. RESULTS: Alexithymia was not found to be significantly affecting the functional recovery of participants in respiratory rehabilitation. The distance walked at the 6MWT (6MWD) increased in both alexithymics and non-alexithymics (p(alexithymics) = 0.014; p(non-alexithymics) < 0.0001). Dyspnoea strongly improved among non-alexithymics, although a signal for improvement was also found in alexithymics (p(alexithymics) = 0.046; p(non-alexithymics) = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that alexithymia did not have a significant impact on functional recovery of patients in respiratory rehabilitation.

Reaction time performance in upper airway resistance syndrome versus obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are known to have an increased risk for motor vehicle crashes. They suffer from sleep-related respiratory abnormality causing repetitive arousal leading to daytime sleepiness. In turn, it has been demonstrated that sleepiness can impair human psychomotor performance causing slowing of reaction times (RTs). Patients with OSAS present with RTs comparable to young adults under the influence of blood alcohol concentrations above the legally permitted level to drive a motor vehicle. Vigilance related risk levels in patients with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) and potential deficits in psychomotor performance are unknown. METHODS: We designed a study to compare psychomotor performance in UARS and compared it to patients with OSAS. Forty-seven UARS patients were matched by gender and age with 47 OSAS patients. All subjects completed a standardized vigilant attention task utilizing reaction time before undergoing polygraphic sleep studies. RESULTS: Patients with UARS presented worse psychomotor performance on most test metrics than patients with OSAS. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results may suggest that patients with UARS may also present an increased risk for motor vehicle crashes as previously demonstrated in OSAS patients.

Measuring disease-specific quality of life in obstructive airway disease: validation of a modified version of the airways questionnaire 20.

BACKGROUND: The Airways Questionnaire 20 (AQ20) is a concise measure of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in obstructive airway disease; however, its original format may underestimate impairment due to the complete cessation of certain activities. METHODS: We revised seven items of the original AQ20 (revised AQ20 [AQ20-R]), adding response options for inability to perform certain activities. We assessed the performance of the AQ20-R among 352 adults with various airway conditions identified through a random telephone sample. Concurrent validity of the AQ20-R was assessed relative to the Short Form-12 (SF-12) physical component summary (PCS), FEV(1), and medication use. Predictive validity was assessed relative to health-care utilization among 278 subjects studied longitudinally. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 352 subjects were unable to perform at least one activity. These subjects demonstrated higher AQ20-R scores (p < 0.001) indicating worse HRQL. Mean (+/- SD) AQ20-R scores differed significantly (p < 0.001) among subjects with COPD (8.9 +/- 5.2), asthma (6.7 +/- 5.0), and chronic bronchitis (4.7 +/- 4.2). At baseline, the AQ20-R correlated with the SF-12 PCS (r = - 0.55, p < 0.001) and FEV(1) (r = - 0.43, p < 0.001), and was associated with the use of respiratory-specific therapies (p

Chronic respiratory symptoms, spirometry and knowledge of COPD among general population.

RATIONALE: Infradiagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be related to the lack of knowledge about the disease and/or the scarce use of diagnostic procedures. This study analyses the frequency of respiratory symptoms and the knowledge about COPD in the general population, together with the use of spirometry in individuals at risk of COPD. POPULATION AND METHOD: A telephone survey was carried out in 6758 subjects older than 40 years, stratified by age, habitat (urban or rural) and region, screened by random-digit dialling. RESULTS: Up to 24% reported having at least one chronic respiratory symptom and 20.9% had a self-reported respiratory diagnosis. A total of 19.2% were active smokers and 40% had never tried to quit. Only 60% of the individuals with chronic symptoms had consulted a physician and, of them, only 45% had undergone spirometry. Spirometry was mentioned more frequently by subjects attended by pulmonologists than by GPs (67.6 vs. 28.6%; P<0.001). The term COPD was identified only by 8.6% of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: Many individuals with respiratory symptoms do not request medical attention and do not attempt to quit smoking. There is a lack of knowledge about COPD. Physicians should more actively inform about the disease and increase the use of spirometry for early detection.

Panic symptoms at the interface of body and mind.

Panic disorder is a common illness with significant impact on function and, at times, disabling consequences. Advances over recent years have yielded potential pathophysiologic mechanisms, including neurotransmitter systems and neural substrates. This article provides an overview of various models and hypotheses regarding the etiology of panic disorder. Because its symptoms overlap with the symptoms of various medical disorders, this discussion reviews the comorbidity of panic disorder with medical conditions, especially cardiac and respiratory disorders.

Seattle Obstructive Lung Disease Questionnaire: sensitivity to outcomes in pulmonary rehabilitation in severe pulmonary illness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of the Seattle Obstructive Lung Disease Questionnaire (SOLDQ) to detect change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following a pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) and to determine associations with other functional indicators. METHODS: A prospective pre- and post-test design. A PRP was offered for 60 minutes, 2 times per week for 8 weeks. Measured at entry and exit to the PRP: the SOLDQ (physical, emotional, and coping skills), 6-minute walk, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form Health Survey-36 Veterans (SF-36V) (physical and mental), Lareau Functional Status and Dyspnea Questionnaire, and the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue (MAF) scale. Setting was an outpatient PRP in a VA Medical Center. RESULTS: Participants included 58 adults who completed the PRP (age mean = 66, SD +/- 9.8; FEV1% predicted mean = 39, SD +/- 15.9). At baseline, significant correlations were found between SOLDQ physical functioning and SF-36V physical, dyspnea, fatigue, 6-minute walk distance, SF-36V mental, and spirometry. SOLDQ emotional functioning significantly correlated with fatigue, dyspnea, and SF-36V mental and physical. SOLDQ coping skills significantly correlated with fatigue, dyspnea, and SF-36V mental and physical. Paired, 2-tailed, t tests comparing the SOLDQ subscales pre- and post-program were significant, with the biggest treatment effect seen with emotional functioning. Other measures showing significant improvement included 6-minute walk, SF-36V physical, dyspnea, and fatigue. CONCLUSIONS: After participation in a PRP, all 3 SOLDQ subscales improved significantly and were associated with other indicators of function. These findings validate the SOLDQ as a measure sensitive to functional changes associated with participation in pulmonary rehabilitation.

A comparison of narrative and table formats for presenting hypothetical health states to patients with gastrointestinal or pulmonary disease.

Traditionally, quality-of-life researchers describe states of health for patients to rate either in narrative form or in table form, but evidence about which format patients prefer is limited. The authors performed 2 randomized studies to test whether patients prefer the table or narrative format and whether the format of presentation influences how patients rate health states. Approximately three-fourths of patients with gastrointestinal disease or chronic airflow limitation preferred the table format. There were no differences in patients' ratings of 3 described health states or of their own health. Investigators should consider using the table presentation for describing health states to subjects who are not familiar with these states of health.

[Dyspnoea and perception of airway obstruction]. / Dyspnée et perception de l'obstruction des voies aériennes.

INTRODUCTION: Dyspnoea, defined as the perception of difficult or laboured breathing, is ideally quantified, using a visual analogue scale or a Borg scale. STATE OF THE ART: In recent years several studies have explored the correlation between dyspnoea and the degree of airway obstruction, in both healthy subjects and patients with asthma or COPD. In these studies dyspnoea was measured in baseline state, following induced broncho-constriction or during application of an external resistive load. Dyspnoea was measured using a previously validated scale or, in some studies, a simple numerical score. The lung function variables most frequently used to evaluate the degree of correlation with dyspnoea were FEV1, and PEF, although other variables were used in some studies. Despite this marked heterogeneity in the methods used, several studies strongly suggested that, in subjects with COPD, perceived subjective improvement after an inhaled bronchodilator agent correlated with improvement of inspiratory variables. In asthmatics, the major finding was that some subjects had a very poor perception of their level of airway obstruction, a potential risk factor for severe exacerbations. PERSPECTIVES: Further normative studies are needed to define how healthy subjects perceive airway obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between dyspnoea and lung function in obstructive disorders has to be evaluated separately in asthmatics and in COPD patients.