Initiative Improved Knowledge of COPD Care

A calculation of the initiative's quality of education index showed that participants were 50% more likely than nonparticipants to provide evidence-based, guideline-driven COPD care, Dr. Hanania reported. “We estimate that participation in this half-day program can potentially improve the care of many patients per week, but this needs to be further tested,” he commented.

“We did not attempt to look at long-term [outcomes] – retention of knowledge or practice change – which are very important,” Dr. Hanania acknowledged. But a similar, ongoing initiative, being conducted by the ACCP, is currently assessing impact on real-life practice.

That initiative is including not only physicians but also physician assistants and nurse practitioners, Dr. Hanania said. “In our primary care setting in the U.S., nonphysician extenders – PAs, nurse practitioners – play a major role in encountering COPD, and those are people we like to target.” Furthermore, their role will likely increase if health care reform proceeds and primary care physicians are overwhelmed by demand.

The initiative meetings were supported by an educational grant from Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Hanania had no relevant conflicts of interest.

Participants were 50% more likely than nonparticipants to provide evidence-based, guideline-driven COPD care.

Source DR. HANANIA