Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Validated Data Collection Tools for COPD Programs

COPD programs may need to collect different types of data in order to effectively evaluate program efforts. The program may be able to use existing data from a variety of sources, including electronic medical records. The Finding Statistics and Data Related to Rural Health topic guide provides information on finding data sources relevant to local programs.

If new data must be collected, there are several validated data collection tools available, including but not limited to the following:

  • The BODE Index for COPD Survival (BODE Index) – The BODE Index is used to predict survival in COPD patients and should not be used for determining therapy options. It incorporates body mass index (BMI) and a six-minute walk test, so it should not be used during an acute exacerbation. The BODE Index is also a good predictor of hospitalizations related to COPD.
  • The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) – The CAT is an eight-question, patient-completed questionnaire used to assess the impact of COPD on quality of life. The questionnaire evaluates cough, sputum, breathlessness, chest tightness, confidence, activity, sleep, and energy level to help the patient's healthcare provider determine appropriate treatment strategies. The CAT is recommended by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) treatment guidelines.
  • The Clinical COPD Questionnaire (CCQ) – The CCQ is a 10-item questionnaire used to assess COPD symptoms.
  • GOLD Criteria for COPD – The GOLD Criteria is used to determine the severity of COPD. The GOLD Criteria act as a framework that can prompt disease management or risk reduction efforts; the score can be linked to recommendations for treatment.
  • The Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale – The mMRC is used in patients with respiratory diseases and dyspnea (shortness of breath) to assess their baseline lung functioning. The mMRC is recommended by GOLD.
  • The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) – The PHQ-9 is a self-administered questionnaire used to assess the severity of depression, a common comorbidity with COPD.
  • The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) – The PAM survey is used to assess patient knowledge, skill, and confidence for self-management of COPD.

Resources to Learn More

Research and Evaluation Tools
Website
Provides a variety of helpful tools and resources to use when developing an evaluation plan for chronic disease self-management programs.
Organization(s): Self-Management Resource Center