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NIH survey identifies barriers to effective patient-provider dialogue about COPD

Resource Type: Articles
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This NIH News Release summarizes the results of a National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) study on COPD patient-provider communications. Of positive note is the finding that more patients are now talking to health care providers about COPD symptoms. In smokers, this is particularly evident; while only 42 percent of smokers reported discussing it with a provider in 2009, that number rose to 67 percent just four years later.

NIH also highlights important gaps in provider-patient communication. While 82 percent of symptomatic smokers were asked by a provider about their smoking history, only 37 percent of former smokers were prompted for this information. Only 18 percent of symptomatic respondents recalled their provider discussing COPD. Implications for prompt diagnosis are briefly discussed.

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Citation: 

NIH survey identifies barriers to effective patient-provider dialogue about COPD. NIH web site. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/nih-survey-identifies-barriers-effective-patient-provider-dialogue-about-copd. Published November 15, 2013. Accessed March 13, 2020.

diagnosis patient education patient experience prevention

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  • I had an appointment today with my PCP - she knows I'm active with the COPDF and the ALA and told me that she has learned a lot from me about COPD - we talked about the importance of her having a good dialogue with her patients (no matter what their disease happens to be). It's too bad that all physicians aren't as easy to talk with as she is - or that they don't encourage an open dialogue with their patients. I know it's got to be difficult with having to see so many patients in a day, but she manages to do it. I'm very fortunate.
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    • It sounds like you have a great relationship with your PCP -- that makes me so happy for you, Karen. I'm hoping the more we encourage dialogue from our (the patient) end -- like you said, no matter the disease -- the more providers will come to expect that this back and forth style of communication as the new normal. I am encouraged by the fact that medical education has started to take into account both the science and art of doctoring well, including patient communication and education.
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