The psychological needs of patients affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma in rehabilitative settings
Giorgio Bertolotti, Anna Lucioni, Antonio Spanevello
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are major causes of morbidity and
mortality, and their management requires a rehabilitative multidisciplinary approach. The presence
of anxiety and/or depression in COPD and asthma patients is associated with poor adherence,
increased mortality, exacerbation rates and length of hospital stay and decreased quality of life
and functional status. In a rehabilitation team, the psychologist could improve the screening
of patients’ psychological needs and their treatments. Based on available evidence, this study
proposes a multidisciplinary team-working model to support early screening and the integration of
psychological contributions to the care of inpatients with COPD or asthma. For patients who are
also experiencing clinical or sub-threshold psychological upset, low to high intensity psychosocial
interventions could include brief and targeted cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation and
self-management of emotional states, and multidisciplinary educational sessions. The aims of this
project are to activate early assessment to search for the burden of psychological needs in COPD or
asthmatic patients and to improve quality of care.
Keywords
Psychological screening, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Asthma,
Multidisciplinary approach.
