Breathlessness can cause symptoms of anxiety. Brief cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) helps reduce anxiety, ED attendance (54%)/ Hospital admissions (41%) (1).  We developed an interactive, personalised digital programme (BreathTec) using CBT approaches. Experts in PA behavioural modification and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) provided guidance to improve PA and functional capacity (including education on the benefits of PA and behaviour change techniques (goal setting, action planning and self-monitoring) (2). 

Aims To identify if BreathTec improved symptoms of anxiety for patients with with asthma, bronchiectasis, COPD or ILD. 

Methods A retrospective audit was conducted. Anonymised data on Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scores (HADS) was collected from 36 consecutive patients using BreathTec.

Results 24 patients (67%) had symptoms of anxiety (HADS?A mean score 11);  Post BreathTec 10 patients (42%) significantly improved HADS-A (mean  score 8).  Patient feedback was very positive e.g. ?I thought it was brilliant. I think everyone with COPD should have BreathTec.  It has really helped me?.

Conclusion More research is needed to identify if BreathTec would be a useful tool to improve patient outcomes.

References 1.  Heslop et al. (2018) Randomised controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy in COPD. DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00094-2018.

2. Armstrong et al (2021).  Behavioural modification interventions alongside pulmonary rehabilitation improve COPD patients' experiences of physical activity. doi: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106353.