Evaluating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients' Treatment Compliance and Quality of Life Via Telemedicine

Treatment Compliance of Patients Diagnosed With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease And Their Quality of Life After Follow-up: Evaluation Via Telemedicine

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted the follow-up and treatment processes for patients, and telemedicine has emerged as an important alternative method. Our aim was to test compare COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, inhaler treatment techniques and adherence between telemedicine-mediated healthcare and healthcare provided face-to-face.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who were diagnosed with COPD according to Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)
• GOLD spirometric grade 3-4
• At least one hospital admission in the past year
• Acceptable score on the Mini-Mental State Examination
• Residing in Ankara
• Patient or caregiver must understand the process and be able to provide clear information
• Medical records and laboratory test results must be accessible to healthcare professionals
• Patient must have access to prescribed medications
• Comorbidities outside of the lungs are included

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with asthma
• Patients with lung cancer
• Patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
• Patients with active infections such as pneumonia or COVID-19
• Patients being followed for COPD without spirometry
• Patients with low cognitive function as determined by the Mini-Mental State Examination
• Patients who do not consent to participate in the study
• Patients lacking adequate social support
• Patients with COPD grade 1-2
• Patients with no hospital admissions in the past year
• Patients diagnosed with psychotic disorders
• Patients residing outside of Ankara
• Patients enrolled in inpatient or supervised outpatient rehabilitation programs
• Patients unable to use telemedicine devices or without a caregiver to assist
• Patients and caregivers having difficulty providing information
• Patients without internet access or video call capabilities at home