Reducing Disease Exacerbation in Women with Confirmed COPD: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract A systematic literature review was conducted to establish whether gender specific treatment exists for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), specifically, women with (COPD). The PICO question developed for this review is as follows: In women with confirmed diagnoses of COPD, does gender-specific treatment, compared to standard treatment, impact the frequency of exacerbations? Could the number of COPD exacerbations in women be reduced by incorporating interventions designed with (female) gender in mind? Four databases were included in the search: CINAHL, Pubmed, Medline, and Nursing and Allied Health. Articles included addressed gender differences in relation to the disease process, medication(s), or overall treatment. There were 16 articles selected for this review. This analysis found gender differences with regards to lung development, disease presentation, diagnosis, exacerbations, and prognosis. A definitive answer to the PICO question was not found from this systematic review, yet future research is warranted to determine whether gender differences to exist with regards to treatments/interventions in patients with COPD. Recommendations for practice, research, education, and policy are based on articles included within the review