Building healthcare professionals consensus on non-pharmacological patient care priorities during hospitalisation and post-discharge phases following acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD)

Background: Studies exploring healthcare professionals9 (HCPs) non-pharmacological care priorities for managing exacerbations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are limited. Objective: To build consensus amongst HCPs on patient care priorities during hospitalisation and post-discharge following AECOPD. Methods: An International Delphi survey consisting of two rounds was conducted and informed by previous patient survey. HCPs agreement was scored by using 5-point Likert scale (descriptors 1= strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree). Consensus was deemed achieved if the care item had an IQR of ≤1. Results: A total of 46 / 45 HCPs participated in the survey in round one and two, respectively from four countries, the majority were from United Kingdom 43.5%/ 64.4%, had >20 years of professional experience (41%/ 44.4%), and were allied health care practitioners 56%/64.4%. In hospital HCPs strongly agreed on prioritising the delivery of interventions that only focused on two core elements; introducing proactive measures to prevent future exacerbation, such as; advice on breathing control, attending PR, smoking sessions, getting vaccinated and mental well-being via anxiety management. However, post-discharge HCPs expanded their selection to include interventions to improve various patients9 needs, such as physical ability, mental well-being, patient knowledge, and provide long-term illness management Conclusion: HCPs prioritised limited non-pharmacological interventions during hospitalisation and tended to prioritise an expanded selection of interventions post-hospitalisation.