RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The impact of “specialized COPD outpatient clinic” in patient outcomes – A prospective cohort study in a Hong Kong government hospital
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP p696
VO 38
IS Suppl 55
A1 Hoi Nam Tse
A1 King Ying Wong
A1 Kwok Sang Yee
A1 Ka Yan Wai
YR 2011
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p696.abstract
AB Introduction: A highly specialized COPD outpatient clinic, run by respiratory specialists, can provide comprehensive and updated service to COPD patients and may reduce their exacerbation/hospitalization rate.Aim: To evaluate the impact of “specialized COPD clinic” on various patient outcomesMethods: Patients with spirometry-confirmed COPD and history of at least one episode of exacerbation in past one year were referred to the new specialized clinic. GOLD guideline was strictly adhered. Education was provided by respiratory nurses with provision of written action plan for exacerbation of symptoms. Outreach physiotherapy was provided for selected patients. Outcome measurements including lung function test, St George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ), were done at baseline and 6-month follow up. The exacerbation and admission rate were also recorded.Results: Totally, 117 patients had been followed up. They had a mean age of 70.3±8.5;%FEV1 54.3±21.4; SGRQ total score 35.6±18.9 and a baseline exacerbation and admission rate 3.3±3.2 and 1.4±1.7 per year respectively in past one year.At 6-month follow up, patients' quality of life improved significantly with SGRQ total score reduced from 35.6±18.9 to 28.4±16.6 (RMANOVA test, p=0.018). There was also a 66% reduction in both exacerbation and admission rate. The exacerbation rate reduced from 3.3 to 1.1episode/year (0.79 episode per 9 months) while the admission rate decrease from 1.4 to 0.47episodes/year. (0.35 episode per 9 months)Conclusion: The specialized COPD clinic significantly reduces exacerbation and admission rate in COPD patients as well as improves their quality of life.