Opportunistic screening for COPD among socially marginalized patients

Nina Brünés, Mette Bendtz Lindstroem*, Charlotte Suppli Ulrik, Ove Andersen, Marianne Lisby, Nina Skavlan Godtfredsen, Tina Leth Hansen, Charlotta Pisinger, Vibeke Graven, Kristoffer Marsaa, Laura Hohwü Thomsen

*Corresponding author af dette arbejde

Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskriftTidsskriftartikelForskningpeer review

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Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease associated with premature death. Tobacco exposure is the main risk factor, but lower socioeconomic status, early life insults, and occupational exposures are also important risk factors. Socially marginalized people, facing homelessness, substance use disorder, and mental illness, are likely to have a higher risk of developing COPD, and, furthermore, experience barriers to healthcare access and consequently poorer outcomes.

Objective
This study aims to assess COPD prevalence and the impact of opportunistic screening among hospitalized patients who are in contact with hospital social nurses. These patients constitute a group of patients with a high prevalence of psychiatric and somatic diseases, substance use, low life expectancy, and are socially marginalized.

Methods
The present prospective longitudinal study includes a clinical examination at baseline. Participants will have spirometry done and be interviewed regarding risk factors, socioeconomic conditions, and respiratory symptoms. The 5-year follow-up assessment incorporates data from baseline and register data over the 5 years, including information on morbidity, use of COPD medication, hospital contacts, mortality, and socioeconomic factors.

Anticipated results
Referral for further diagnostic work-up and management after the screening, including COPD treatment and smoking cessation support, is expected to improve survival rates. The study is still enrolling patients.

Trial registration
The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT04754308 with study status: “enrolling”.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
Artikelnummer113
TidsskriftBMC Pulmonary Medicine
Vol/bind24
Udgave nummer1
Antal sider8
ISSN1471-2466
DOI
StatusUdgivet - 2024

Bibliografisk note

Funding Information:
We would like to express our gratitude to each participant who will kindly agree to be part of this study. We would like to thank the social nurses at all study sites for their significant contributions to the study by including their patients and collecting data for the research. Special thanks to statistician Thomas Kallemose from the Department of Clinical Research at Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark for providing statistical support in the design of the protocol. We are also grateful to the Lung Association for hosting the first meeting for the stakeholders involved in the study, as well as the local respiratory departments and study coordinators for their assistance in spirometry training and medication distribution for the study. Furthermore, we would like to extend a sincere appreciation to Novartis for generously providing spirometers and turbines, which were essential for the successful execution of the planned study design. Their support played a crucial role in the successful completion of this research.

Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2024.

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