The 2009 report of the Respiratory Society of French Language is particularly synthesis of research on the effectiveness of patient education for patients with COPD.
The Société de Pneumologie de Langue Française (SPLF) published in 2009 in the Revue des Maladies Respiratoires report collective expertise together with fifty specialists. This report aims to provide an update on the diagnosis and management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Among the issues addressed, a door on the usefulness and effectiveness of patient education in care to achieve in patients with COPD. This point gets a grade A classification in Evidence Based Medicine, stronger level of evidence. The learned society SPLF recommends the inclusion of a therapeutic education program in any session of pulmonary rehabilitation.
The Report Rationale
Patient education is still controversy in the management of patients with COPD. Is it really necessary? Should it be included in pulmonary rehabilitation programs which often focus on a physical component (for example, by the mere exercise training on ventilatory only).
The Question
Is it useful to include a therapeutic education program in a session of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD?
The Method
The Respiratory Society of French Language (SPLF) published in 2009 in the Journal of Respiratory Diseases report collective expertise together with fifty specialists. This report aims to provide an update on the diagnosis and management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Among the issues addressed, a door on the usefulness and effectiveness of patient education in care achieve among patients with COPD.
Main conclusions
A therapeutic education program is beneficial to patients attending a session of pulmonary rehabilitation. This point gets a grade A classification in Evidence Based Medicine, stronger level of evidence. The learned society SPLF recommends the inclusion of a therapeutic education program in any session of pulmonary rehabilitation. She invites professionals to consider the educational diagnosis to determine areas to work with patients. She recommends addressing the functioning of the disease, DMARDs, treatment of crisis, signs of decompensation, smoking cessation, management of dyspnea, physical activity and sexuality.
What it means for Patients
Be offered a rehabilitation training without therapeutic education does not make sense in the management of COPD. To cope with the disease, we must understand and learn new ways of doing things. Patient education is an important vehicle for this learning.
What it means for Healthcare Professionals
The SPLF recommends systematically include a therapeutic education program in any session of pulmonary rehabilitation.
What it means for Researchers
Interventional research is heavy to carry. Without them, learned societies could not provide an opinion on an issue as clear-cut. They therefore remain essential. This is an opportunity to thank both the patients, clinicians and researchers conducting selflessly such protocols rarely last less than two years.
What it means for Policymakers
A therapeutic education program must be included in any session of pulmonary rehabilitation. Without it, you must not talk about rehabilitation but exercise training.
The reference
Société de Pneumologie de Langue Française (2010). Recommandations de la Société de Pneumologie de Langue Française sur la prise en charge de la BPCO. Revue des Maladies Respiratoires, 27 (S1), 1-76.
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To reference this Blog en Sante © article.
Ninot G (2014). Patient education: a must for the care of chronic respiratory diseases. Blog en Sante, A12.
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