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Chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The Finnish Action Programme, interim report
A Pietinalho1, V L Kinnula, A R A Sovijärvi
1Filha (Finnish Lung Health Association), Sibeliuksenkatu 11 A 1, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland. anne.pietinalho@filha.fi
Respiratory Medicine
|March 14, 2007
Summary
The Finnish National Prevention and Treatment Programme for Chronic Bronchitis and COPD significantly reduced hospitalizations and treatment costs. While COPD deaths remained stable, the program
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Respiratory Medicine
- Health Policy
Background:
- Chronic Bronchitis and COPD pose a significant public health challenge.
- The Finnish National Prevention and Treatment Programme for COPD was initiated in 1998.
- Previous strategies focused on reducing COPD incidence and severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of the Finnish National Prevention and Treatment Programme for COPD.
- To assess reductions in COPD incidence, hospitalizations, and treatment costs.
- To analyze changes in smoking prevalence and COPD-related mortality.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of over 250 information and training events.
- Designation of COPD patient coordinators in health centers and pharmacies.
- Establishment of local COPD treatment chains across hospital districts.
- Increased availability of spirometric services in health centers to 95%.
Main Results:
- A decrease in smoking prevalence from 30% to 26% in males and 20% to 19% in females.
- A 15% reduction in COPD hospitalization periods and an 18% decrease in hospitalization days.
- An 18% reduction in COPD-related sickness days and pension recipients.
- Stable COPD-induced mortality rates (approx. 1000 deaths annually).
Conclusions:
- The Finnish COPD program achieved notable success in reducing hospitalizations and treatment burdens.
- While effective, further enhancements are needed to improve overall program efficacy.
- Sustained efforts in prevention and treatment are crucial for managing Chronic Bronchitis and COPD.
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