Fernando Diaz Del Valle1, Patricia B Koff1, Sung-Joon Min2, Jonathan K Zakrajsek1, Linda Zittleman3, Douglas H Fernald3, Andrea Nederveld3, Donald E Nease3, Alexis R Hunter4, Eric J Moody5, Kay Miller Temple6, Jenny L Niblock7, Chrysanne Grund7, Tamara K Oser3, K Allen Greiner7, R William Vandivier1. 1. Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States. 2. Department of Medicine, Division of Healthcare Policy and Research, Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States. 3. Department of Family Medicine, Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States. 4. High Plains Research Council Community Advisory Council, Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, United States. 5. Wyoming Institute for Disabilities, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, United States. 6. Center for Rural Health, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, North Dakota, United States. 7. Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States.
Abstract
RATIONALE: Rural chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have worse outcomes and higher mortality compared with urban patients. Reasons for these disparities likely include challenges to delivery of care that have not been explored. OBJECTIVE: To determine challenges faced by rural primary care providers when caring for COPD patients. METHODS: Rural primary care providers in 7 primarily western states were asked about barriers they experienced when caring for COPD patients. RESULTS: A total of 71 rural primary care medical providers completed the survey, of which 51% were physicians and 49% were advanced practice providers (APPs). A total of 61% used Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease or American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines as an assessment and treatment resource. The presence of multiple chronic conditions and patient failure to recognize and report symptoms were the greatest barriers to diagnose COPD. A total of 89% of providers used spirometry to diagnose COPD, but only 62% were satisfied with access to spirometry. Despite recommendations, 41% of providers never test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. A total of 87% were comfortable with their ability to assess symptoms, but only 11% used a guideline-recommended assessment tool. Although most providers were satisfied with their ability to treat symptoms and exacerbations, only 66% were content with their ability to prevent exacerbations. Fewer providers were happy with their access to pulmonologists (55%) or pulmonary rehabilitation (37%). Subgroup analyses revealed differences based on provider type (APP versus physician) and location (Colorado and Kansas versus other states), but not on population or practice size. CONCLUSIONS: Rural providers face significant challenges when caring for COPD patients that should be targeted in future interventions to improve COPD outcomes. JCOPDF
RATIONALE: Rural chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have worse outcomes and higher mortality compared with urban patients. Reasons for these disparities likely include challenges to delivery of care that have not been explored. OBJECTIVE: To determine challenges faced by rural primary care providers when caring for COPD patients. METHODS: Rural primary care providers in 7 primarily western states were asked about barriers they experienced when caring for COPD patients. RESULTS: A total of 71 rural primary care medical providers completed the survey, of which 51% were physicians and 49% were advanced practice providers (APPs). A total of 61% used Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease or American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines as an assessment and treatment resource. The presence of multiple chronic conditions and patient failure to recognize and report symptoms were the greatest barriers to diagnose COPD. A total of 89% of providers used spirometry to diagnose COPD, but only 62% were satisfied with access to spirometry. Despite recommendations, 41% of providers never test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. A total of 87% were comfortable with their ability to assess symptoms, but only 11% used a guideline-recommended assessment tool. Although most providers were satisfied with their ability to treat symptoms and exacerbations, only 66% were content with their ability to prevent exacerbations. Fewer providers were happy with their access to pulmonologists (55%) or pulmonary rehabilitation (37%). Subgroup analyses revealed differences based on provider type (APP versus physician) and location (Colorado and Kansas versus other states), but not on population or practice size. CONCLUSIONS: Rural providers face significant challenges when caring for COPD patients that should be targeted in future interventions to improve COPD outcomes. JCOPDF
Authors: Franck F Rahaghi; Robert A Sandhaus; Mark L Brantly; Farshid Rouhani; Michael A Campos; Charlie Strange; Douglas Kyle Hogarth; Edward Eden; James M Stocks; Michael J Krowka; James K Stoller Journal: COPD Date: 2012-04-16 Impact factor: 2.409
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Authors: Janet B Croft; Anne G Wheaton; Yong Liu; Fang Xu; Hua Lu; Kevin A Matthews; Timothy J Cunningham; Yan Wang; James B Holt Journal: MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep Date: 2018-02-23 Impact factor: 17.586