System and method for obtaining an objective measure of dyspnea

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for assessing a level of dyspnea in a patient is provided. The method includes measuring physical activity of the patient over a period of time with an activity monitor to gather physical activity data; measuring respiration rate of the patient over the period of time with a respiration rate sensor to gather respiration rate data; administering a questionnaire to gather clinical information of the patient; and executing, on one or more computer processors, one or more computer program modules to determine a dyspnea value for the patient based on the respiration rate data, the physical activity data, and the clinical information of the patient. The dyspnea value is representative of the level of dyspnea in the patient.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0002] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to US Provisional Application No. 61 / 311434, filed March 8, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. technical field [0003] The present invention relates to systems and methods for assessing a patient's level of dyspnea. Background technique [0004] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by inflammation of the airways. It is characterized by airway restriction that is often not fully reversible. Airflow limitation is increasingly severe and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases. Symptoms of COPD can include coughing, wheezing, dyspnea (ie, shortness of breath or wheezing), and production of mucus, and its severity can be judged in part by the volume and color of secretions. [0005] Dyspnea (ie, shortness of breath or wheezin...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0010] Additionally, questionnaire-based assessments, such as this one for dyspnea, are subjective and rely on memory recall, which can be especially difficult for older adults

Furthermore, questionnaire-based assessments, such as this one for dyspnea, are designed to be short (i.e., with specific questions / statements) to ensure compliance, but such short questionnaires may lack insight into changes in dyspnea levels. sensitivity

Also, questionnaire-based assessments, such as this one for dyspnea, do not provide an accurate assessment of dyspnea because these questionnaires do not account for behavioral modifications by the patient (for example, the patient may walk less to prevent panting) as well as the patient's effort (e.g., walking slowly vs. walking fast)

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