What knows a frail swiss population about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

COPD affects nearly 400 000 people in Switzerland. It remains under-diagnosed and patients know little about it. This survey study aimed to measure this knowledge in a population receiving home care in the canton of Neuchâtel. Knowledge of the terms « COPD » and « emphysema » was not related to gender, the fact that patients had already had spirometry or the COPD risk group to which they belonged. Patients treated with inhaled drugs, smokers and ex-smokers were more familiar with the term « COPD ». The treatment of people with COPD requires careful monitoring of those diagnosed with the disease, but also increased attention to the disease itself and its symptoms among patients, caregivers and physicians.