Survey confirms COVID-19 pandemic impacted ability of COPD patients and informal caregivers to receive and administer care, but brought increased awareness to the disease
According to the
“Due to the nature of the COVID-19 virus, respiratory health has become a daily conversation across the globe,” said
COPD patients facing care challenges throughout COVID-19
For those living with COPD, the pandemic impacted the care they required and received. 56% of COPD patients report COVID-19 has made it difficult for them to get COPD treatment, 58% report that managing their COPD during the pandemic has been completely overwhelming, and 68% report they worry much more than they used to about their chronic condition because of the pandemic. COVID-19 also presented challenges for informal caregivers of COPD patients, with 79% specifically citing the pandemic as the factor that influenced the amount of care they provided to the COPD patient.
Emphasis on respiratory health, virtual care options increases
With concern growing around in-person care, willingness for telehealth visits has been on the rise since the onset of the pandemic. Particularly for wellness visits (56% to 62%), regular check-ins for a chronic health issue (57% to 64%), and to discuss a new health issue (57% to 63%). This increase was surprisingly more prevalent among the non-COPD population, with 55% willing to use telehealth to receive treatment for a chronic health issue before COVID-19, now up to 62%. Additionally, COPD patients looked for better ways to manage their condition because of COVID-19 (75%), such as diet, exercise, or purchasing air filtration systems.
COPD awareness rising amid knowledge gaps
While COVID-19 may have exacerbated individual concerns for the nearly 65 million people [2] currently living with COPD, it also brought increased awareness for the chronic condition across the globe. Nearly three in five people report being more familiar with COPD now compared to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may be directly linked with increased education around respiratory illnesses due to the nature of COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, 52% of respondents reported being familiar with COPD; that number is now up to 72%.
Philips’ broad portfolio of connected solutions and services is designed to address the needs of patients with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD and enable providers and physicians to more effectively manage patient care. For additional survey findings and data, or to learn more about how Philips is working to increase awareness this World COPD Day, please visit: Philips.com/WorldCOPDDay.
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/copd/facts-statistics-infographic#:~:text=More%20than%2065%20million%20people,over%20the%20next%2050%20years
About the Survey
This survey was conducted online by
For further information, please contact:
Philips Global Press Office
Tel: +1 724-584-8991
E-mail: meredith.amoroso@philips.com
About Royal Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in
Attachments
- Living with COPD
- COPD familiarity is on the rise
- World COPD Day Survey Results
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