Symptom burden and functional performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Clinical Research
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a growing global health burden.
• Limited research exists on the multidimensional concept of symptom burden and its impact on functional performance in COPD patients.
• Understanding the interplay between multiple symptoms and functional decline is crucial for effective COPD management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between symptom burden and functional performance in patients with COPD.
• To explore the impact of physical and psychological symptoms on overall functional capacity.
• To provide evidence for symptom management strategies aimed at improving quality of life in COPD.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional correlational survey design was employed.
• Symptom burden was assessed using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS).
• Functional performance was measured using the Functional Performance Inventory-Short Form (FPI-SF) in 214 Irish COPD patients.

Main Results:

• COPD patients reported significant physical and psychological symptom burden.
• A negative correlation was observed between 20 individual symptoms and overall functional performance.
• Total symptom burden, encompassing both physical and psychological aspects, was significantly associated with reduced functional performance.

Conclusions:

• Patients with COPD experience substantial symptom burden that negatively affects their functional performance.
• Functional decline in COPD is linked to the cumulative effect of multiple physical and psychological symptoms.
• Effective assessment and management of symptom burden are vital for enhancing functional performance and may necessitate palliative care approaches for advanced COPD.