The Dyspnoea-12 (D-12) scale is a validated tool designed to assess the perception of dyspnoea and its physical and affective impacts in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Its Chinese version (D-12-C) has been developed and validated for Chinese-speaking populations, offering culturally relevant insights. This study explores the use of D-12-C in Hong Kong, focusing on its application in local acute hospitals, including COPD clinics and pulmonary rehabilitation programmes (PRP).
In Hong Kong, D-12-C serves as a dual-purpose tool for baseline assessment and outcome measurement in PRPs. Its integration into pre- and post-PRP evaluations enables healthcare professionals to capture both physical and emotional dimensions of dyspnoea. Findings derived from D-12-C are compared with similar studies, enriching understanding of its utility and providing a basis for future improvements in patient care. The analysis includes physical and affective components, with follow-ups tailored to individual patient needs.
Healthcare professionals appreciate the straightforward administration of D-12-C, promoting its broader adoption across various settings. Its implementation fosters enhanced understanding of dyspnoea, improving care for patients in Hong Kong and other Chinese-speaking regions. This study encourages further use of D-12-C to support comprehensive, patient-centered respiratory care.
