Participants in the First World Conference of COPD Patients were invited to write comments in response to two questions on a Feedback Wall that was created near the conference meeting room. The images below reproduce these comments to convey the feeling of this wide-ranging discussion.
The first Feedback Wall question asked, “What is the biggest unmet need for COPD patients in your country?” Several common themes emerged in the responses. Many participants noted the related needs for early diagnosis, spirometry screening, and greater attention to COPD in primary care, or called for greater availability of medicines and access to care. Others focused on the importance of building awareness and empowering patients to take control of their daily lives through rehabilitation and similar strategies. Still other participants took a wider view and focused on policies relating to tobacco control and other COPD prevention strategies. Finally, many respondents—particularly Italian speakers—noted logistical difficulties for patients on oxygen therapy, demonstrating that even small changes could have a big impact on patients’ quality of life.
The second question, “What campaigns would you recommend to convince health ministries to ensure that COPD patients have the globally mandated bill of 7 rights?” also yielded a variety of responses, ranging from smoking cessation campaigns to better screening and follow-up of both diagnosed and undiagnosed patients, to direct patient advocacy.
Click on the images below to view them larger.