Pulmonary therapy
Understanding the Challenges of Refractory Chronic Cough: Insights from a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Survey of US Healthcare Professionals
By Lim KG, Parikh B, Henning C and 4 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Refractory chronic cough (RCC) is a disease identified in a subset of people who experience chronic cough (CC, defined in adults as a cough lasting > 8 weeks) despite adequate treatment for known cough-related etiologies. RCC can be profoundly burdensome and patients may seek care from different healthcare professional (HCP) specialties; however, existing HCP care pathways are complicated and treatment options limited. To understand current real-world practices in the USA, we surveyed seven types of HCPs involved in care of patients with CC and RCC, and reported their knowledge, attitudes, and practices.
Methods
A web-based descriptive survey was conducted (December 2024) with US HCPs (N = 717) who had seen ≥ 1 adult patient with CC in the past 6 months. Responses were analyzed overall and by HCP type: pulmonologists, allergists/immunologists, otolaryngologists (n = 100 each), primary care physicians (n = 212), nurse practitioners (n = 51), physician assistants (n = 50), and pharmacists (n = 104).