CAT (= COPD Assessment Test)
The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) is an instrument that allows an assessment of the symptoms and severity of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in everyday clinical practice. In addition to instrumental examinations such as lung function tests and blood gas analyses, it is also a tool to assess the subjective well-being of patients. The test consists of eight questions which are answered by the patient. The result is incorporated into the classification of the GOLD classification of COPD.
The eight questions include questions on coughing frequency, the ability to cope with stress in everyday life, phlegm, shortness of breath or tightness in the chest, everyday skills as well as subjective well-being and sleep quality. The aim is that patients answer these questions according to their current state of health and thus, in addition to the clinical classification, a follow-up of a known COPD is possible. The questions are each to be answered on a scale of 0-5 points, depending on the severity of the illness, and then added together. The minimum score is 0, which corresponds to complete freedom from symptoms, the maximum score is 40, which means a strong symptom expression.
The CAT makes it possible to assess the patient's well-being as well as the effects of his COPD disease on everyday life and thus to adapt any existing therapies to the current clinical situation and improve well-being. However, it is important to stress that the CAT only provides a basis for treatment and in no way is a specific score linked to an exact therapy scheme.
The exact questions of the eight questions are listed below. (Source: http://www.catestonline.org/english/index_German.htm, The CAT logo is a registered trademark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. ©2009)
Questionnaire:
- I never cough 0 1 2 3 4 5 I cough constantly
- I am not slimy at all 0 1 2 3 4 5 I am completely slimy
- I do not feel any tightness in my chest 0 1 2 3 4 5 I feel a very strong tightness in my chest
- When I go uphill or up stairs, I do not get out of breath 0 1 2 3 4 5 When I go uphill or up stairs, I get very out of breath
- I am not restricted in my domestic activities 0 1 2 3 4 5 I am very restricted in my domestic activities
- I have no qualms about leaving home despite my lung disease 0 1 2 3 4 5 I have great qualms about leaving home because of my lung disease
- I sleep soundly 0 1 2 3 4 5 I do not sleep soundly because of my lung disease
- I am full of energy 0 1 2 3 4 5 I have no energy at all
Included in the GOLD classification, a CAT<10 points corresponds to a mildly symptomatic COPD (GOLD A or C) and a CAT >10 points corresponds to a highly symptomatic COPD (GOLD B or D).
Background: The CAT is a validated test instrument that was developed and presented by international experts with the support of GlaxoSmithKline in 2009 and is available internationally.