Abstract
Background: Greater understanding of what comprises the carbon footprint of respiratory care will identify effective strategies for its reduction. The focus so far has been on preventer inhalers, yet this omits the contribution from healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and short-acting β2-agonist (SABA) relievers. Exacerbation history is linked with increased likelihood and rate of future exacerbations in COPD patients. The environmental implications of this association have not been quantified.
Aim: To describe the impact of exacerbation history on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for HCRU and SABA use in COPD, as part of the CARBON (healthCARe-Based carbON cost of treatment) programme using data from SHERLOCK.
Methods: SHERLOCK was a retrospective cohort study of 22,462 COPD patients in the UK, categorised by exacerbation exposure (Haughney J et al. ERJ. 2020;56 Suppl 10:4910). GHG emissions (CO2 equivalent) linked with SABA prescribing and HCRU were estimated for 3-years of follow up.
Results: A history of severe or multiple COPD exacerbations increased the carbon footprint of future COPD-related HCRU and SABA prescribing by 50% for each year of follow up (Fig 1).
Conclusion: HCRU and SABA use are important factors when considering the carbon footprint of COPD care. Early targeting of patients with an exacerbation history may reduce future demand and realise carbon savings.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA3551.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021
