Background Symptoms of COPD can impact upon a patient?s QoL. Diagnosis is often delayed following onset of symptoms.

Aim This patient-focused analysis aims to understand the impact of delayed treatment and benefits of early intervention for optimal management of COPD.

Methods Qualitative patient and provider insight data were collected from three sources in 2021: interactions between HCPs and GSK; social media platforms (specialist and non-specialist); and an independent online patient survey. A content analysis method was used to anonymise, collate data across all sources, and categorise using key words to identify common themes.

Results HCP interactions constituted 2966 entries (1816 HCPs) and provided HCP-reported insights. Social media data came from 988 posts (a subset of which [n=153] included 97% patients, aged 41?<81 years, 75% female). Forty-four participants completed the patient survey (33 patients with mild-moderate COPD, 11 caregivers); 66% female, aged 20?69 years). Patient/HCP reports on challenges to diagnosis, long-term treatment and effective patient-HCP communication are detailed in the Table. Early diagnosis was associated with greater QoL vs delayed diagnosis.  

Conclusions There is a need for early diagnosis and effective patient-HCP communication throughout treatment including a continued open and active patient-HCP dialogue to improve COPD management and QoL.

Funding. GSK-sponsored study