La tecnología al alcance de la Enfermería de Primaria en la prevención de la EPOC

Abstract

Worldwide, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ranked as the fourth leading cause of death. Its prevalence and mortality is increasing and in 2020 it may become the third cause of death and the fourth of disability which represents a very high socioeconomic cost. It is known that COPD diagnosis has focused on smokers of more than 10p/year. We believe that with an early detection we can improve the quality of life and reduce the costs. METHODS: a descriptive retrospective study was carried out. A research in SIA (Ambulatory Information System) was conducted looking for the diagnosis code CIE9- 305.1 (tobacco abuse), in the population between 45-70 years old, males and females, from January 2010 to March 2012. We used the information gathered in the file of 41 patients. After the spirometry, education in healthy lifestyle was implemented with the help of an available protocol. RESULTS: of the 41 spirometries carried out (31 males and 10 females) 29% of them were pathological (19% mixt and 10% obstructive), restrictive 25% and 46% of them were normal. Previous diagnosis: CIE9-305.1, 58%, COPD 9%, cough 17% and others 19%. CONCLUSIONS: the COPD is an underdiagnosed and not correctly treated disease which may end up in a disability. With the new technologies available in Elche General Hospital a differential diagnosis is possible. The training of professionals (Epocval) make possible that the nursing interventions becomes proactive using the new technologies. The stratification of patients is useful for an adequate training and follow-up and stabilization in early stages.