<p>Information Needs in COPD After an Educational Programme: Influence in Exacerbations and Admissions</p>

Abstract

Introduction Improving patients’ information needs (IN) may contribute to better control in COPD. This study analyses IN using Lung Information Needs Questionnaire (LINQ) following an educational intervention, evaluates how clinical characteristics modify IN, and studies high IN as a prognostic factor for COPD exacerbations and hospital admissions. Methods Cohort of 143 patients with initial diagnosis of COPD included in a structured educational program. Two months after completing the program, IN was assessed using LINQ. Correlations between IN and clinical variables of COPD and distribution of IN in different clinical groups were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to determine influence of IN on exacerbations and COPD admissions over the following year. Results LINQ scored 6.3±2.9. There were no differences in LINQ scoring between different clinical groups, but LINQ score positively correlated with age (r=0.184, p=0.029). High IN was a predictor of COPD hospitalizations (HR 2.3 [95% CI 1.1–5.1] (p=0.029)) but not of less severe exacerbations (p=0.334). Conclusion IN was not associated with any clinical variables, but it correlated with age. High IN proved to be an independent predictor of admissions.

Primary care patients with mild or stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need more support in disease management: a secondary analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial

“…In line with our findings, two other studies have found an association between patient education via pulmonary rehabilitation and reduced information needs (lowered LINQ scores) [ 21 , 30 ]. Unlike our study, however, neither of the previous studies observed associations between patient’s possibly changed health and exacerbation status and subjective needs for information.…”

How Do Patients’ Needs For Information About COPD Change Over Time: An Observational Cohort Study

“…In line with our ndings, the U.K. research group that developed the LINQ found an association between patient education via pulmonary rehabilitation and reduced information needs (the LINQ scores) (16). A 2020 study from Spain observed patients' posteducational LINQ scores similar to those found by the U.K. group (29). The patterns of information needs found in both of those studies were similar to the patterns in our study population.…”

A Social Return on Investment Analysis of Improving the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Within the Spanish National Healthcare System

“…The prevalence of COPD patients with an inadequate health literacy in Spain has been estimated at 58%, a quality which, if deficient, has been associated with unfavorable patient reported outcomes regarding dyspnea, wellbeing and daily life, and health-related quality of life; a higher risk of having comorbidities, need of caregiving, anxiety and depression, admissions or visits to the emergency department, and mortality. 33 , 34 …”