Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) interventions for anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undertaken by respiratory nurses: the COPD CBT CARE study: (ISRCTN55206395).
BACKGROUND
Anxiety and depression are common co-morbidities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Serious implications can result from psychological difficulties in COPD including reduced survival, lower quality of life, and reduced physical and social functioning, increased use of health care resources and are associated with unhealthy behaviours such as smoking. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological intervention which is recommended for the treatment of many mental health problems including anxiety and depression. Unfortunately access to trained CBT therapists is limited. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that CBT delivered by respiratory nurses is effective in the COPD population. In this paper the design of the Newcastle Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Study (Newcastle COPD CBT Care Study) is described.


METHODS
This is a prospective open randomised controlled trial comparing CBT with self-help leaflets. The primary outcome measure is the Hospital Anxiety & Depression Scale (HADS) - anxiety subscale. Secondary outcome measures include disease specific quality of life COPD Assessment Tool (CAT), generic quality of life (EQ5D) and HADS-depression subscale. Patients will be followed up at three, six and 12 months following randomisation.


CONCLUSIONS
This is the first randomised controlled trial to evaluate the use of cognitive behavioural therapy undertaken by respiratory nurses. Recruitment has commenced and should be complete by February 2014.


BACKGROUND
Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN55206395.
Chest Clinic, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear NE1 4LP, UK. karen.heslop@nuth.nhs.uk.
Karen
K
Heslop
Julia
J
Newton
Christine
C
Baker
Graham
G
Burns
Debbie
D
Carrick-Sen
Anthony
A
De Soyza
D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D009726:Nurses; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000401:mortality / Q000523:psychology*; D015272:Pulmonary Medicine; D011788:Quality of Life; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom