COPD and Cardiopulmonary Risk: Patient Insights and Gaps in Patient Education

Introduction: Patients’ access to educational materials describing COPD symptoms and exacerbations is key to increasing awareness about the association between COPD and the risk of cardiopulmonary events. We conducted a patient and caregiver virtual focus group to understand their: 1) personal experience of COPD; 2) understanding of COPD symptoms and exacerbations; and 3) reflections on discussions with HCPs about future cardiopulmonary risk.Methods: A survey of 34 multiple-choice and open-ended questions was developed by external subject matter experts. Eleven people living with COPD and two caregivers recruited from the AstraZeneca Patient Partnership Program in four countries (UK, Brazil, Canada, USA) took part in the survey, of whom eleven attended a virtual focus-group.Results: Feelings associated with a COPD diagnosis by respondents (n=13) included ‘shock’, ‘fear’, ‘confusion’, and ‘devastation’. At diagnosis, respondents had no (n=3), little (n=4), or only some (n=3) understanding about causes of COPD and similarly no (n=5), little (n=4), or only some (n=3) understanding about COPD symptoms. Most respondents (n=7) were not aware that people with COPD may have a flare-up within the next year, and most (n=9) reported no discussion with their HCP about risks associated with COPD or that COPD could affect organs other than the lungs, including the heart. Seven respondents reported having prior knowledge that COPD increases the risk of cardiac events, with three respondents attributing this knowledge to their personal experience of a cardiac event. Figure 1 highlights quotes aligned to the key themes identified. Most respondents felt that this information was very important to know (n=10) and would motivate them to better participate in their own care (n=11).Discussion: These insights highlight a patient information gap in COPD causes, symptoms, and increased risk for cardiac events. Improved education and HCP-patient dialogue may empower patients in recognizing, reporting, and mitigating COPD-associated cardiopulmonary complications.