A Multi-Specialty Delphi Consensus on Assessing and Managing Cardiopulmonary Risk in Patients with COPD

Background: In Canada, COPD represents a significant burden to the patient and health system, as it is often under or misdiagnosed and sub-optimally treated. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common co-morbidity in COPD and there is significant interplay between these two chronic conditions. Across all stages of COPD disease severity, deaths can be attributed not only to respiratory causes but also to cardiovascular-related factors. The established links between COPD and CVD suggest the need for a greater degree of collaboration between respirologists and cardiologists. This modified Delphi consensus was initiated to consider how optimal COPD care can be delivered within Canada, with specific consideration of reducing cardiopulmonary risk and outcomes in COPD patients.
Methods: A steering group with interest in the management of COPD and CVD from primary care, cardiology, and respirology identified 40 statements formed from four key themes. A 4-point Likert scale questionnaire was sent to healthcare professionals working in COPD across Canada by an independent third party to assess agreement (consensus) with these statements. Consensus was defined as high if ≥ 75% and very high if ≥ 90% of respondents agreed with a statement.
Results: A total of 100 responses were received from respirologists (n=30), cardiologists (n=30), and primary care physicians (n=40). Consensus was very strong (≥ 90%) in 28 (70%) statements, strong (≥ 75 and < 90%) in 7 (17.5%) statements and was not achieved (< 75%) in 5 (12.5%) of statements.
Conclusion: Based on the consensus scores, 9 key recommendations were proposed by the steering group. These focus on the need to comprehensively risk stratify and manage COPD patients to help prevent exacerbations. Consensus within this study provides a call to action for the expeditious implementation of the latest COPD guidelines from the Canadian Thoracic Society.