[Evaluation of COPD patients using CAT-COPD assessment test].

INTRODUCTION: Purposes and objectives. CAT test is a simple questionnaire that quantifies the impact of COPD on patients and doctor-patient communication; it is a complex questionnaire that evaluates the lung function and the impact on quality of life. The score ranges from 0 to 40. The higher the score, the bigger the health problems are. This questionnaire can be used in any language and country, by all COPD patients. METHOD AND MATERIALS: We evaluated 71 COPD patients from Clinical Hospital "Victor Babeş" Craiova between 2010-2011. These patients were included in a respiratory rehabilitation program of 16 sessions of physical exercises and education for 8 weeks. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The average final score was with 12.86% lower than baseline score. The average CAT score after rehabilitation for COPD stage I recorded the best decrease with 16.23%. The program of respiratory rehabilitation has a positive impact no matter BMI.
CONCLUSIONS: CAT questionnaire is a sensitive test, easy to fill in that improves the doctor patient communication with a great impact on quality of life.