Optimization of Vaccination Coverage of COPD Patients in a Family Health Unit in Portugal - Continuous Quality Improvement

Worldwide, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD - is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality, with a major socioeconomic impact. Prevalence and associated costs are expected to increase, given population aging and prolonged exposure to toxic agents. In Portugal, it is estimated that the prevalence of COPD is 14.2% in the population >40 years old, being more significant in the population >60 years old, the age at which the pathology reaches its greatest severity. Respiratory infectious complications are associated with accelerated degradation of lung function. Vaccination is one of the recommendations for preventing the progression of this pathology, minimizing exacerbations and subsequent worsening of lung function. Objective: Improved monitoring and vaccination of patients with COPD (influenza, COVID, pneumococcal disease and whooping cough) Method: Descriptive observational study. Samples obtained using MIM@UF, by R95 coding according to ICPC2. FEV1 data collection and vaccination coverage in Feb/22, presentation of data at a meeting and reassessment of data in September 2023. Data were collected through the Clinician® consultation/electronic vaccination card and processed using Microsoft Excel®. Results: We identified 189 patients with COPD, the majority of whom were male (109:80), with a mean age of 68.78 years, 22% with FEV1 records (<3 years) and 12.17% of COPD patients vaccinated against pertussis. 23.8 are not vaccinated for seasonal flu and 1.59 are without vaccination coverage for COVID. Discussion: There was an improvement in the FEV1 record and in the coverage of anti-pneumococcal and COVID vaccinations, while the coverage of influenza vaccination worsened. The results still reflect a long way to go in optimizing prevention for patients with COPD. Funding: This work was funded by the UK National Institue for Health Research (NIHR) (Global Health Research Unit on Respiratory Health (RESPIRE); 16/236/109) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK Government.