Scandinavian journal of primary health care
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Scand J Prim Health Care · Dec 2023
Randomized Controlled TrialPrimary care patients with mild or stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need more support in disease management: a secondary analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial.
Patient education based on the patient's individual needs and circumstances is known to be associated with positive changes in clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to assess the levels of patients' subjective needs for information about COPD before and after their general practitioners had taken part in a COPD education. ⋯ Patients' information needs are substantial in most areas of self-management of COPD, and seem to covary with the patient's current clinical status. Care providers should thus continuously be vigilant about offering all patients with COPD support and education.