Abstract
Aims:
To understand the needs of people with asthma and COPD, and to identify opportunities for improved care.
Methods:
Quantitative questionnaire-based survey performed in five European countries on patients with asthma and COPD. Questionnaires were administered to patients using Computer Assisted Web Interview methodology.
Results:
1022 patients with asthma (UK [n=190]; Germany [n=214]; France [n=200]; Italy [n=222]; Spain [n=196]) and 719 patients with COPD (UK [n=153]; Germany [n=147]; France [n=145]; Italy [n=140]; Spain [n=134]) were enrolled in the study. 32% of those with asthma and 67% of those with COPD considered that their condition had a significant effect on their quality of life, and stigma and emotional distress was common. Many expressed concern regarding potential medication side effects or that medicines might lose their effect with time. Major discrepancies between expectations and patient satisfaction with the doctor-patient relationship were observed, including a need to be consulted in the choice of inhalers. Consultations were infrequent, and 75% of respondents sought additional information beyond that received during consultations - commonly from the internet.
Conclusions:
Patient satisfaction was high but information needs were not addressed and the emotional burden of disease is underappreciated.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Competing interests
Martyn Partridge has received honoraria for lecturing or ad hoc consultancies from AstraZeneca, Chiesi, GSK, Boehringer, Cipla, Novartis, Dr Reddys Laboratories, German Remedies and Teva. He has received research support from AstraZeneca and financial assistance with the production of a book on the history of asthma charities from Novartis. Roberto Dal Negro has no conflict of interest to declare. Dario Olivieri has received honoraria for lecturing or ad hoc consultancies from AstraZeneca, Chiesi, GSK, Menarini, MSD,Novartis, Nycomed, OM-Pharma, Pierre-Fabre, Sigma-Tau, Boehringer Ingelheim and Pfizer. He has received research support from AstraZeneca, GSK, MSD, Novartis, Nycomed, OM-Pharma, Zambon, Chiesi, Italian Ministry of Health and Italian Ministry for University and Research. He is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Chiesi Foundation.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
R Partridge, M., Dal Negro, R. & Olivieri, D. Understanding patients with asthma and COPD: insights from a European study. Prim Care Respir J 20, 315–323 (2011). https://doi.org/10.4104/pcrj.2011.00056
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4104/pcrj.2011.00056
This article is cited by
-
Subjective patient-reported versus objective adherence to subcutaneous interferon β-1a in multiple sclerosis using RebiSmart®: the CORE study
BMC Neurology (2017)
-
Interactive digital interventions to promote self-management in adults with asthma: systematic review and meta-analysis
BMC Pulmonary Medicine (2016)
-
Insights, attitudes, and perceptions about asthma and its treatment: a multinational survey of patients from Europe and Canada
World Allergy Organization Journal (2016)
-
The evolution of mobile apps for asthma: an updated systematic assessment of content and tools
BMC Medicine (2015)
-
Details of development of the resource for adults with asthma in the RAISIN (randomized trial of an asthma internet self-management intervention) study
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making (2015)