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Cognitive screening in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: patient's perspectives
Rebecca T Disler1, Nicolaos Spiliopoulos2, Sally C Inglis3
1Department of Rural Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|January 29, 2019
Summary
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are open to discussing cognitive function, suggesting screening for cognitive impairment can be integrated into routine assessments to improve self-management and rehabilitation. This approach helps tailor interventions for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Neuropsychology
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Cognitive impairment affects 61% of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Current guidelines recommend self-management education via pulmonary rehabilitation, but screening for cognitive deficits is overlooked.
- Health professionals perceive cognitive testing as confronting, creating a barrier to screening, despite limited supporting data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perspectives of patients with COPD regarding cognitive impairment and cognitive screening.
- To understand patient attitudes towards cognitive testing within the context of their condition.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study employing focus groups with patients diagnosed with COPD.
- Participants were recruited from a regional hospital's respiratory service.
- Data were collected through recorded conversations, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Fifteen participants (mean age 73) shared their views on cognitive function and COPD.
- Key themes included limited awareness of the COPD-cognition link, viewing cognitive changes as normal aging, current self-management strategies, and attitudes toward cognitive testing.
- Patients demonstrated openness to discussing cognitive issues.
Conclusions:
- Normalizing conversations about cognitive changes can facilitate the introduction of screening into routine assessments for COPD patients.
- Identifying cognitive impairment allows for personalized pulmonary rehabilitation, enhancing self-management for at-risk individuals.
- Addressing cognitive function is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation efficacy and self-management in chronic diseases like COPD.