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. 2021 Jan 22;16(1):e0245373.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245373. eCollection 2021.

Management of acute COPD exacerbations in France: A qualitative survey in a private practice setting

Anne Compagnon  1 , Laurent Nguyen  2 , Zeina Antoun  3 , Bruno Stach  2 , Christophe Zanetti  2 , Frédéric Le Guillou  2
Affiliations

Management of acute COPD exacerbations in France: A qualitative survey in a private practice setting

Anne Compagnon et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: The current prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in France is estimated to be 2.6 million and is predicted to increase to 2.8 million by 2025. Presently, there is a lack of data on COPD management within the private healthcare setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the management of COPD exacerbations by pulmonologists within private practices in France.

Methods: A prospective, online, qualitative survey was distributed to private practice pulmonologists in France. The survey covered all aspects of COPD management from diagnosis and therapeutic management, to secondary prevention and organization of care. Survey responses were collected between 27 January 2018 and 18 June 2018 and all data were summarized descriptively.

Results: The survey had a response rate of 20.6%, with 116 out of 563 pulmonologists providing responses. Overall, 87.4% of respondents stated that the management of COPD represented over 15% of their total clinical activity. Most respondents indicated that they work closely with general practitioners and a large multidisciplinary team to manage patients with numerous comorbidities. Following a COPD exacerbation, the majority of respondents (78.4%) were in favor of using respiratory-connected devices (class 2a-connected medical device according to the French HAS classification and available on medical prescription) to assist with patient follow-up at home.

Conclusions: COPD management forms part of the core clinical activity for pulmonologists within the private practice setting in France. Patients with COPD generally have multiple comorbidities and are managed by a multidisciplinary team in line with French guidelines. The use of respiratory-connected devices was highlighted as an important new strategy for improving patient care following a COPD exacerbation.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have read the journal’s policy and have the following competing interests: AC and ZA are employees of GlaxoSmithKline and hold stocks and shares in the company. LN reports non-financial support from Novartis, Boehringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithKline, ALK, AstraZeneca and SOS Oxygène. BS reports financial support from AstraZeneca and non-financial support from Bastide Medical, SOS Oxygène, SANTEO, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, Menarini, Novartis, VIVISOL, WEINMANN, PharmaDom, Elia medical, SEFAM, Philips France Commercial, Roche SAS and France Oxygène. CZ reports financial support from Novartis and AstraZeneca and non-financial support from France Oxygène, Sysmed, SOS Oxygène, Pharamadom, ALK, Roche, Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Novartis. FLG reports financial support from Novartis, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKline, Menarini, Novartis, Pfizer, Philips Health care and non-financial support from Alize Sante, Bastide Medical and SOS Oxygène. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials. There are no patents, products in development or marketed products associated with this research to declare.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Age range of respondents.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Regional distribution of survey respondents across France.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Time to follow-up following an acute COPD exacerbation.
COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; GP, general practitioner.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Comorbidity assessments implemented as secondary prevention measures in the outpatient settinga.
aSimilar values were reported for hospital assessments. ENT; ear, nose and throat.
Fig 5
Fig 5. Key reasons respondents would use respiratory-connected devices.
AECOPD, acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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