October 10, 2023
TITLE: Obstructive Lung Disease Posters 5
TYPE: Original Investigation Posters
PURPOSE: COPD is known to present with noticeable differences between men and women. Men and women tend to have different risk levels of developing COPD, symptom presentation, as well as disease progression rates. COPD is often diagnosed later, has a greater severity in disease with earlier and more rapid lung function decline, and a higher death rate in women than men. This analysis compared medication best practice adoption rates between men and women when managed through telerespiratory services.
METHODS: 2448 home-based patients with COPD were managed over the course of their disease during 2022 using a goal based, assessment driven COPD Software [Nexus, Encore Healthcare, Livingston TN], administered by a respiratory therapist. Patients were assessed for their hospitalization history and Dyspnea (CAT and/or mMRC). The prescribed respiratory medications (class, name, brand) were assessed followed by education on delivery skills. Follow up assessments documented whether a patient’s initially prescribed SABA only was subsequently prescribed a LABA or LAMA.
RESULTS: Initially 375 of 2448 (15%) Rx were SABA only. On follow up 80% of the 375 had added a LABA and/or LAMA (296 pts). Of the remaining 79 SABA only, 52 (65.8%) were female & did not have a LABA/LAMA. 38 reported breathlessness (mMRC). 35 of those women had a CAT score greater than 10. When comparing the same mMRC scores to CAT, the males avg 14 versus 18 for women.
CONCLUSIONS: Despite CAT and mMRC scores indicating women experience a medium to severe symptom burden, they are not being prescribed long-acting respiratory medications as recommended per GOLD guidelines.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Home based, RT driven programs can drive clinical standards of care and impact COPD outcomes. Identifying gender differences in prescribing patterns should be investigated further.
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© 2023 American College of Chest Physicians. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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