David Tinkelman1, Philip Corsello. 1. National Jewish Medical and Research Center, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical utilization characteristics of the "typical" patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a large dataset of patients enrolled in a disease management program for COPD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were 2129 individuals with a diagnosis of COPD. Information was collected at the time these individuals entered the National Jewish Medical and Research Center disease management program for COPD. RESULTS: The data show that the typical stereotype of a COPD patient (ie, elderly and unemployed) may not apply to a large proportion of patients already diagnosed with COPD. Almost half (49.7%) were less than 65 years old. In addition, 46.1% were employed and missed an average of 4.6 days of work in the previous 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The cost of COPD to individuals and to society is increasing. Yet it is a potentially preventable and treatable disease. Early detection and intervention are essential.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the socioeconomic, demographic, and clinical utilization characteristics of the "typical" patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a large dataset of patients enrolled in a disease management program for COPD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were 2129 individuals with a diagnosis of COPD. Information was collected at the time these individuals entered the National Jewish Medical and Research Center disease management program for COPD. RESULTS: The data show that the typical stereotype of a COPDpatient (ie, elderly and unemployed) may not apply to a large proportion of patients already diagnosed with COPD. Almost half (49.7%) were less than 65 years old. In addition, 46.1% were employed and missed an average of 4.6 days of work in the previous 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The cost of COPD to individuals and to society is increasing. Yet it is a potentially preventable and treatable disease. Early detection and intervention are essential.
Authors: Marian Ryan; Jose A Suaya; John D Chapman; William B Stason; Donald S Shepard; Cindy Parks Thomas Journal: PLoS One Date: 2013-10-09 Impact factor: 3.240