Lung Information Needs Questionnaire
Helping health professionals assess and address COPD patients’ information needs.
About LINQ
The Lung Information Needs Questionnaire (LINQ) is a self-administered tool designed to assess the information needs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may also be applicable to patients with other chronic lung diseases but is not suitable for those with asthma
Information Needs
The LINQ identifies two types of information needs in COPD patients: explicit requests for information and behaviors that hinder self-management. Since patients often forget previously provided information, a reported lack of information still indicates a need. LINQ does not assess knowledge but highlights areas for further clinical evaluation.
Using and Scoring LINQ
Patients can complete the LINQ independently while waiting or with assistance from a healthcare professional. Clinicians—including doctors, respiratory nurses, and physiotherapists—should review responses to guide consultations and provide targeted education based on identified information needs. In clinical practice, scoring is typically unnecessary; instead, responses should be integrated into consultations. However, when used for audit or research purposes, scoring is required. An informal assessment suggests that a one-point change in the LINQ score represents a meaningful difference as perceived by COPD patients (MCID = 1). Scoring instructions can be downloaded from this site
Publications
LINQ has been the focus of numerous publications worldwide, covering its development, validation, and clinical applications. These studies highlight its utility in assessing patient information needs and supporting respiratory care. Explore the publications page for more details.
Contact Us
For inquiries about LINQ, please reach out to us. The questionnaire can be adapted to reflect local self-management practices following discussion with the LINQ coordinator. We also welcome collaborations for translations to expand accessibility. Additionally, please contact us for inquiries regarding commercial use.