centred outcomes in primary care management of COPD – what do recent clinical trial data tell us?
Author(s): Haughney J, Gruffydd-Jones K Affiliation(s): Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill Health Centre, Westburn Road, Aberdeen AB25 2AY, UK. Publication date & source: 2004-12, Prim Care Respir J., 13(4):185-97. Publication type: Traditionally, the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and effectiveness of interventions have been determined using measures of lung function. However, a relatively small reduction or change in lung function – such as those observed in mild to moderate COPD – may not always reflect the impact of the disease or intervention on patients’ physical and psychological well-being. This paper examines the utility of various outcome measures that can be used in primary care to monitor and manage COPD. In particular, it demonstrates the importance of measuring patient-centred outcomes, such as health-related quality of life and exacerbations, which may reflect more accurately the effects of the
