Philips survey shows respiratory health is more of a priority

AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for the COPD community, but it has also increased awareness of the condition and pushed patients to pursue alternative care options, according to the first ever World COPD Day survey by Royal Philips. “Despite impacting millions of people around the world, COPD isn't talked about as often as other chronic conditions like heart disease,” said Huiling Zhang, head of medical office for connected care at Philips. “We conducted this survey to shed light on the unique burdens and stresses that COPD patients face every day, intensified during this time. The survey results show that more than ever, respiratory health - and taking action to improve it - is a priority, but that the impacts of the pandemic have been especially felt by the COPD community, whom we work so hard to support with our respiratory solutions.” Philips surveyed more than 4,000 adults in China, India, Russia and the U.S. Fifty six percent of COPD patients report COVID-19 has made it difficult for them to get 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, according to the survey. The number of respondents familiar with COPD increased from 52% prior to the pandemic to 72% today, according to the survey. Other highlights: The willingness for telehealth visits has been on the rise due to the pandemic, particularly for wellness visits (56% to 62%), regular check-ins for chronic health issues (57% to 64%) and new health issue (57% to 63%); and COPD patients have looked for better ways to manage their condition due to the pandemic (75%).