A qualitative study of patients' goals and expectations for self-management of COPD

Moderating Effect of Dyspnea in the Relationship Between Death Anxiety and Self-Management in COPD: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis

The study was conducted to examine the moderating effect of dyspnea (according to Modified Medical Research Council-mMRC scale) on the relationship between death anxiety (DA) and self-management (SM) levels in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n = 313). Model fit indices are within appropriate limits (χ2/DF = 2.284, GFI = .855, CFI = .796, RMSEA = .064). In mMRC 2, females had 33 times more DA than males. In mMRC 3, DA increased 36 times with increasing age and 14 times with comorbidity. It decreased 15-fold in those with past exacerbation experience. The second model explained DA by 18% while the moderating effect of severe dyspnea contributed 28% to this association. In this group of patients, a one unit increase in DA led to a 53-fold increase in SM. Age, gender, comorbidity and previous exacerbation history affect DA in patients with COPD. Increased DA decreases self-management. Severe dyspnea has a moderating effect between DA and SM.

The effectiveness of an unsupervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation with self-management program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIMS

To assess the effectiveness of an unsupervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation with self-management program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

BACKGROUND

A few recent studies have shown that unsupervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation can improve the clinical outcome of patients with COPD. More studies are needed to prove its benefits.

DESIGN

This study used a quasi-experimental design.

METHODS

Seventy-two admitted COPD patients were assigned to experimental group or control group through purposeful sampling. Data were collected from March 2016 to November 2017 in the Thoracic Intensive Care Unit of a Medical Center in Taiwan. The Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale and the Clinical COPD Questionnaire were measured before education and at the first, second and third months after discharge.

RESULTS

The Medical Research Council dyspnea scale and COPD Self-Efficacy Scale results in the experimental group were significantly improved compared with the control group in the third month after discharge. The Clinical COPD Questionnaire score continued to improve in both groups in the third month after discharge, and there was no difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

A short-term unsupervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation with self- management program had significant benefits for patients with COPD. The long-term effects need to be confirmed.

Conceptualisations of COPD self-management: A narrative review of the research literature

AIM

To examine how self-management is conceptualised in the research literature on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

A narrative review was undertaken to search the research literature on COPD self-management. Ten databases (2000-2021) were searched for published texts. Sixty-two articles met the inclusion criteria. A thematic analysis was conducted of the literature.

RESULTS

Three conceptualisations of COPD self-management were identified: 1) a dominant medicocentric conceptualisation which represented self-management as medical in focus; 2) a less dominant experiential conceptualisation that viewed it as arising from the experiences of people living with COPD; and 3) a smaller body of literature that attempted to integrate medicocentric and experiential conceptualisations of self-management.

DISCUSSION

The dominance of the medicocentric conceptualisation of self-management and the polarisation of medicocentric and experiential perspectives were striking. An integrated conceptualisation of self-management has the potential to unite these competing perspectives and promote collaborative relationships between individuals and professionals, so long as the underlying values informing it are made explicit. However, there is a dearth of literature on this approach and it would benefit from more attention. Methods such as Co-production and the Personal Outcomes Approach offer the potential to support an integrated perspective in clinical practice.

COPD-Related Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Patient Perspectives

Background

Anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prevalent but often unidentified and therefore not adequately managed. Clinicians find it difficult to detect anxiety symptoms and to differentiate subclinical anxiety from anxiety disorders, because of the considerable overlap between symptoms of COPD and anxiety.

Purpose

We synthesized existing qualitative research on patients' experiences of COPD-related anxiety with the purpose of gaining a richer understanding and proposing a model of the construct.

Methods

Searches for qualitative studies of patients' experiences of COPD-related anxiety were conducted independently by two authors in the databases of PubMed (MEDLINE), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PsycInfo (APA). English-language studies including patients diagnosed with COPD were reviewed, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 41 studies were included in the review. Four themes related to COPD-related anxiety were identified: initial events; internal maintaining factors; external maintaining factors; and behavioral maintaining factors. Based on the identified four themes, a conceptual model of COPD-related anxiety from the patient perspective was developed.

Conclusion

A conceptual model of COPD-related anxiety from the patient perspective is now available, with the potential to inform future attempts at improving identification and management of COPD-related anxiety. Future research should focus on the development of a COPD-specific anxiety questionnaire containing domains that are relevant from the patient perspective.

Exploring patients' and health professionals' perspectives on health literacy needs in the context of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

OBJECTIVE

Persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) require complex follow-up by healthcare professionals (HCPs) and may experience several health literacy (HL) needs. This study aimed to explore such needs in people with COPD and the HCPs who care for them.

METHODS

From October 2016 to August 2017 a qualitative study with four focus groups (FG) were performed in people with COPD (n = 14) and three in multidisciplinary HCPs (n = 21). An inductive thematic analysis was used to investigate HL needs.

RESULTS

Four HL needs emerged: 1) strengthening the feeling of security; 2) combating the burden of insufficient knowledge on COPD and lack of informational flow; 3) supporting motivation for endurance and self-management; and 4) strengthening dignity.

DISCUSSION

This study highlights a gap between people with COPD who express important HL needs and HCPs' capabilities to care for these needs. For HCPs to increase HL in such cases, HCPs need to improve their own HL. It is essential to find solutions on how to improve HL in HCPs who care for people with COPD and to increase the availability of interventions that increase HL in COPD. Education programs, health organizations, and governments should be aware of HL needs in such situations.

“My life is not going to be the same, my health is going to improve”: a cross-sectional qualitative study of patients’ experiences of living with chronic respiratory symptoms and their views on a proposed pulmonary rehabilitation program at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi

Background: Malawi’s population has a substantial burden of chronic respiratory symptoms. Elsewhere, patients with these symptoms have benefited from pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), a program of exercise training, education, and behaviour management. Practically, PR in Malawi may not be delivered in the same format as elsewhere due to substantial contextual differences. These differences necessitate adaptation of the intervention to Malawi’s setting to be acceptable and effective. This study explored patients’ experiences of living with chronic respiratory symptoms and their views on a proposed PR program at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, to inform the design of an individualized and culturally adapted PR program. Methods: This was a cross-sectional qualitative study. Face-to-face, one-to-one semi-structured in-depth interviews were undertaken to data saturation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and Chichewa transcripts were translated into English. The transcripts were anonymized and thematically analysed using an inductive approach. Results: We recruited 10 patients (five males and five females) with functionally limiting chronic respiratory symptoms, with documented causes including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, post-tuberculosis lung disease, and bronchiectasis. Symptoms most frequently included dyspnoea, with associated functional limitations including the reduced performance of activities of daily living. Participants’ coping strategies most frequently included the use of inhalers. Participants were motivated to undertake the PR program owing to its anticipated benefits including improved health. They perceived transport costs and competing commitments as barriers to participation. The participant group gender mix and public nature of the program were considered socio-culturally sensitive by some participants. Conclusions: The functionally limiting dyspnoea most frequently experienced by the study participants would be amenable to a PR program. To ensure participation by eligible patients, pre-program assessments should consider patient access to transport, suitability of the timing for the program’s sessions, and patient views on organizational aspects of the program considered social-culturally sensitive.

A Systematic Review with Thematic Synthesis of the Experience of Hospitalization in People with Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Hospital admissions are common for people with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To provide effective, responsive care, it is important to understand how people experience hospitalization. The aim of this review was to explore the experience of hospitalization in people with advanced COPD, drawing from qualitative research data. Guided by a thematic synthesis approach, a systematic search of databases (n = 13) including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ProQuest was undertaken from database inception to May 2020. Inclusion criteria included papers reporting qualitative research focused on any aspect of hospitalization for people with advanced COPD and reported in English language from peer reviewed journals. Following quality appraisal, relevant data were extracted, and a three-stage thematic synthesis method used to develop inductive themes. From 1935 papers, the 11 included studies focused on specific aspects of hospitalization (e.g., care and treatment), rather than the totality of the experience. Four analytical themes were identified: unpredictable hospitalization, benefits and burdens of treatment, overwhelming distress and the communicative attitude of staff. Hospitalization was unpredictable because of the frequent, sudden admissions required for acute breathlessness. Hospital could be perceived both as a safe place, due to immediate symptom relief, but also as a place for experiencing overwhelming distress. Breathlessness was the most difficult symptom experienced, causing physical and psychological distress. Both communication and attitudes of the staff could influence the experience. A holistic approach to the care of hospitalized individuals with advanced COPD is required to improve care.Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2021.1971186 .

Tailored or adapted interventions for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and at least one other long-term condition: a mixed methods review

BACKGROUND

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic respiratory condition characterised by shortness of breath, cough and recurrent exacerbations. People with COPD often live with one or more co-existing long-term health conditions (comorbidities). People with more severe COPD often have a higher number of comorbidities, putting them at greater risk of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of any single intervention for COPD adapted or tailored to their comorbidity(s) compared to any other intervention for people with COPD and one or more common comorbidities (quantitative data, RCTs) in terms of the following outcomes: Quality of life, exacerbations, functional status, all-cause and respiratory-related hospital admissions, mortality, pain, and depression and anxiety. To assess the effectiveness of an adapted or tailored single COPD intervention (simple or complex) that is aimed at changing the management of people with COPD and one or more common comorbidities (quantitative data, RCTs) compared to usual care in terms of the following outcomes: Quality of life, exacerbations, functional status, all-cause and respiratory-related hospital admissions, mortality, pain, and depression and anxiety. To identify emerging themes that describe the views and experiences of patients, carers and healthcare professionals when receiving or providing care to manage multimorbidities (qualitative data).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched multiple databases including the Cochrane Airways Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL, to identify relevant randomised and qualitative studies. We also searched trial registries and conducted citation searches. The latest search was conducted in January 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs) compared a) any single intervention for COPD adapted or tailored to their comorbidity(s) compared to any other intervention, or b) any adapted or tailored single COPD intervention (simple or complex) that is aimed at changing the management of people with COPD and one or more comorbidities, compared to usual care. We included qualitative studies or mixed-methods studies to identify themes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods for analysis of the RCTs. We used Cochrane's risk of bias tool for the RCTs and the CASP checklist for the qualitative studies. We planned to use the Mixed Methods Appraisal tool (MMAT) to assess the risk of bias in mixed-methods studies, but we found none. We used GRADE and CERQual to assess the quality of the quantitative and qualitative evidence respectively. The primary outcome measures for this review were quality of life and exacerbations.

MAIN RESULTS

Quantitative studies We included seven studies (1197 participants) in the quantitative analyses, with interventions including telemonitoring, pulmonary rehabilitation, treatment optimisation, water-based exercise training and case management. Interventions were either compared with usual care or with an active comparator (such as land-based exercise training). Duration of trials ranged from 4 to 52 weeks. Mean age of participants ranged from 64 to 72 years and COPD severity ranged from mild to very severe. Trials included either people with COPD and a specific comorbidity (including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, lung cancer, head or neck cancer, and musculoskeletal conditions), or with one or more comorbidities of any type. Overall, we judged the evidence presented to be of moderate to very low certainty (GRADE), mainly due to the methodological quality of included trials and imprecision of effect estimates. Intervention versus usual care Quality of life as measured by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score may improve with tailored pulmonary rehabilitation compared to usual care at 52 weeks (mean difference (MD) -10.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) -12.66 to -9.04; 1 study, 70 participants; low-certainty evidence). Tailored pulmonary rehabilitation is likely to improve COPD assessment test (CAT) scores compared with usual care at 52 weeks (MD -8.02, 95% CI -9.44 to -6.60; 1 study, 70 participants, moderate-certainty evidence) and with a multicomponent telehealth intervention at 52 weeks (MD -6.90, 95% CI -9.56 to -4.24; moderate-certainty evidence). Evidence is uncertain about effects of pharmacotherapy optimisation or telemonitoring interventions on CAT improvement compared with usual care. There may be little to no difference in the number of people experiencing exacerbations, or mean exacerbations with case management compared with usual care (OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.57; 1 study, 470 participants; very low-certainty evidence). For secondary outcomes, six-minute walk distance (6MWD) may improve with pulmonary rehabilitation, water-based exercise or multicomponent interventions at 38 to 52 weeks (low-certainty evidence). A multicomponent intervention may result in fewer people being admitted to hospital at 17 weeks, although there may be little to no difference in a telemonitoring intervention. There may be little to no difference between intervention and usual care for mortality. Intervention versus active comparator We included one study comparing water-based and land-based exercise (30 participants). We found no evidence for quality of life or exacerbations. There may be little to no difference between water- and land-based exercise for 6MWD (MD 5 metres, 95% CI -22 to 32; 38 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Qualitative studies One nested qualitative study (21 participants) explored perceptions and experiences of people with COPD and long-term conditions, and of researchers and health professionals who were involved in an RCT of telemonitoring equipment. Several themes were identified, including health status, beliefs and concerns, reliability of equipment, self-efficacy, perceived ease of use, factors affecting usefulness and perceived usefulness, attitudes and intention, self-management and changes in healthcare use. We judged the qualitative evidence presented as of very low certainty overall.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Owing to a paucity of eligible trials, as well as diversity in the intervention type, comorbidities and the outcome measures reported, we were unable to provide a robust synthesis of data. Pulmonary rehabilitation or multicomponent interventions may improve quality of life and functional status (6MWD), but the evidence is too limited to draw a robust conclusion. The key take-home message from this review is the lack of data from RCTs on treatments for people living with COPD and comorbidities. Given the variation in number and type of comorbidity(s) an individual may have, and severity of COPD, larger studies reporting individual patient data are required to determine these effects.

Using self-determination theory to predict self-management and HRQoL in moderate-to-severe COPD

Objective: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-term condition that detrimentally affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL), with self-management proposed as an effective treatment. Using self-determination theory (SDT), this research explored psychological need satisfaction, frustration, and behavioural regulation to explain indicators of self-management.

Design and Main Outcome Measures: Cross-sectional, questionnaire-based methods in people on a pulmonary rehabilitation waiting-list. 72 participants completed SDT, HRQoL, and self-management knowledge questionnaires. Path analyses investigated the ability of SDT concepts to predict self-management knowledge and HRQoL.

Results: Chi-square tests found no significant differences (χ²(13, N=72) = 16.7, p > 0.05) between the just – and over-identified models, and multiple measures suggested an acceptable fit to the data. Relatedness frustration positively predicted controlled regulation and autonomy and relatedness satisfaction positively predicted autonomous regulation. The associations between the other needs and the different regulation types were not statistically significant. Both regulation types strongly predicted HRQoL (35% variance explained) and self-management knowledge (22% variance explained).

Conclusion: SDT concepts can predict more self-determined self-management regulation, self-management knowledge, and HRQoL and provide a framework for researchers and healthcare professionals to develop future health interventions for people with COPD. Greater research is needed to understand basic psychological need frustration in health contexts.

ERS International Congress 2020 Virtual: highlights from the Allied Respiratory Professionals Assembly

This article provides an overview of outstanding sessions that were (co)organised by the Allied Respiratory Professionals Assembly during the European Respiratory Society International Congress 2020, which this year assumed a virtual format. The content of the sessions was mainly targeted at allied respiratory professionals, including respiratory function technologists and scientists, physiotherapists, and nurses. Short take-home messages related to spirometry and exercise testing are provided, highlighting the importance of quality control. The need for quality improvement in sleep interventions is underlined as it may enhance patient outcomes and the working capacity of healthcare services. The promising role of digital health in chronic disease management is discussed, with emphasis on the value of end-user participation in the development of these technologies. Evidence on the effectiveness of airway clearance techniques in chronic respiratory conditions is provided along with the rationale for its use and challenges to be addressed in future research. The importance of assessing, preventing and reversing frailty in respiratory patients is discussed, with a clear focus on exercise-based interventions. Research on the impact of disease-specific fear and anxiety on patient outcomes draws attention to the need for early assessment and intervention. Finally, advances in nursing care related to treatment adherence, self-management and patients' perspectives in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are provided, highlighting the need for patient engagement and shared decision making. This highlights article provides readers with valuable insight into the latest scientific data and emerging areas affecting clinical practice of allied respiratory professionals.

A Qualitative Metasynthesis of the Experience of Fatigue Across Five Chronic Conditions

CONTEXT

Fatigue is a symptom reported by patients with a variety of chronic conditions. However, it is unclear whether fatigue is similar across conditions. Better understanding its nature could provide important clues regarding the mechanisms underlying fatigue and aid in developing more effective therapeutic interventions to decrease fatigue and improve quality of life.

OBJECTIVES

To better understand the nature of fatigue, we performed a qualitative metasynthesis exploring patients' experiences of fatigue across five chronic noninfectious conditions: heart failure, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

METHODS

We identified 34 qualitative studies written in the last 10 years describing fatigue in patients with one of the aforementioned conditions using three databases (Embase, PubMed, and CINAHL). Studies with patient quotes describing fatigue were synthesized, integrated, and interpreted.

RESULTS

Across conditions, patients consistently described fatigue as persistent overwhelming tiredness, severe lack of energy, and physical weakness that worsened over time. Four common themes emerged: running out of batteries, a bad life, associated symptoms (e.g., sleep disturbance, impaired cognition, and depression), and feeling misunderstood by others, with a fear of not being believed or being perceived negatively.

CONCLUSION

In adults with heart failure, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we found that fatigue was characterized by severe energy depletion, which had negative impacts on patients' lives and caused associated symptoms that exacerbated fatigue. Yet, fatigue is commonly misunderstood and inadequately acknowledged.

Facilitators and barriers to the self-management of COPD: a qualitative study from rural Nepal

OBJECTIVE

To understand the facilitators and barriers to the self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rural Nepal.

SETTINGS

Community and primary care centres in rural Nepal.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 14 participants (10 people with COPD and 4 health care providers) were interviewed.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

People with COPD and healthcare provider's experience of COPD self-management in rural Nepal.

RESULTS

Facilitators and barriers affecting COPD self-management in Nepal operated at the patient-family, community and service provider levels. People with COPD were found to have a limited understanding of COPD and medications. Some participants reported receiving inadequate family support and described poor emotional health. At the community level, widespread use of complementary and alternative treatment was found to be driven by social networks and was used instead of western medicine. There were limited quality controls in place to monitor the safe use of alternative treatment. While a number of service level factors were identified by all participants, the pertinent concerns were the levels of trust and respect between doctors and their patients. Service level factors included patients' demands for doctor time and attention, limited confidence of people with COPD in communicating confidently and openly with their doctor, limited skills and expertise of the doctors in promoting behavioural change, frustration with doctors prescribing too many medicines and the length of time to diagnose the disease. These service level factors were underpinned by resource constraints operating in rural areas. These included inadequate infrastructure and resources, limited skills of primary level providers and lack of educational materials for COPD.

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings suggest the need for a more integrated model of care with multiple strategies targeting all three levels in order to improve the self-management practices among people with COPD.

Patient Perspectives to Inform a Health Literacy Educational Program: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Studies

Patient-centred care is tailored to the needs of patients and is necessary for better health outcomes, especially for individuals with limited health literacy (LHL). However, its implementation remains challenging. The key to effectively address patient-centred care is to include perspectives of patients with LHL within the curricula of (future) healthcare providers (HCP). This systematic review aimed to explore and synthesize evidence on the needs, experiences and preferences of patients with LHL and to inform an existing educational framework. We searched three databases: PsychInfo, Medline and Cinahl, and extracted 798 articles. One-hundred and three articles met the inclusion criteria. After data extraction and thematic synthesis, key themes were identified. Patients with LHL and chronic diseases encounter multiple problems in the care process, which are often related to a lack of person-centeredness. Patient perspectives were categorized into four key themes: (1) Support system; (2) Patient self-management; (3) Capacities of HCPs; (4) Barriers in healthcare systems. "Cultural sensitivity" and "eHealth" were identified as recurring themes. A set of learning outcomes for (future) HCPs was developed based on our findings. The perspectives of patients with LHL provided valuable input for a comprehensive and person-centred educational framework that can enhance the relevance and quality of education for (future) HCPs, and contribute to better person-centred care for patients with LHL.

Impact of Disease-Specific Fears on Pulmonary Rehabilitation Trajectories in Patients with COPD

Disease-specific fears predict health status in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but their role in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) remains poorly understood and especially longer-term evaluations are lacking. We therefore investigated changes in disease-specific fears over the course of PR and six months after PR, and investigated associations with PR outcomes (COPD assessment test (CAT) and St. Georges respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ)) in a subset of patients with COPD (n = 146) undergoing a 3-week inpatient PR program as part of the STAR study (Clinicaltrials.gov, ID: NCT02966561). Disease-specific fears as measured with the COPD anxiety questionnaire improved after PR. For fear of dyspnea, fear of physical activity and fear of disease progression, improvements remained significant at six-month follow-up. Patients with higher disease-specific fears at baseline showed elevated symptom burden (CAT and SGRQ Symptom scores), which persisted after PR and at follow-up. Elevated disease-specific fears also resulted in reduced improvements in Quality of Life (SGRQ activity and impact scales) after PR and at follow-up. Finally, improvement in disease-specific fears was associated with improvement in symptom burden and quality of life. Adjustment for potential confounding variables (sex, smoking status, age, lung function, and depressive symptoms) resulted in comparable effects. These findings show the role of disease-specific fears in patients with COPD during PR and highlight the need to target disease-specific fears to further improve the effects of PR.

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A story conditioned by the symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To determine the meaning of the experience of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

METHOD

A qualitative approach study rooted in hermeneutic phenomenology. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 people with critical and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

RESULTS

The findings obtained are described in three emerging topics and their consequent subtopics, which describe the process of the disease focusing on five subtopics related to awareness of the disease, the choking characteristic of the disease and tiredness as daily unpleasant symptoms, as well as choking as a death threat, rejection of oxygen dependency and coping systems to control the disease. In the second topic, family support with two subtopics are described: the loss of the patient's role, the burden of care; and the third topic concerns the support of health system on two subtopics: medical care and nursing care.

CONCLUSION

The symptoms and functional changes in general, denote a different meaning not only in everyday life, but also in times of exacerbation of the condition. Likewise, changes in lifestyle due to the loss of roles and health care processes are revealed, as experiences that do not allow effective coping and adaptation.

Incorporating patient input into the design of a disease management program for COPD

In the era of value-based payment contracts, there is increasing emphasis on disease management as a strategy for improving care quality and reducing costs. To design effective disease management programs, healthcare systems should understand the day-to-day experience of living with particular health conditions, and ensure that evidence-based services and interventions are adapted to align with the realities of patients' lives and their priorities. For healthcare systems operating with limited resources, there is a need for practical and small-scale approaches for collecting and using patient input as part of program design and operations. This case study describes a targeted interview process that Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) used to gather patient input during the design of a disease management program for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The patient perspectives gathered through the interviews influenced several aspects of the program design. The key lessons from CHA's experience are: 1) A small-scale approach with cycles of 5-10 interviews can produce valuable insights for program design; 2) Short patient vignettes can be used to summarize patient data in a simple and compelling format; and 3) Clinicians' perspectives are critical for interpreting patient input and extracting information that is most likely to be useful for program design. CHA's approach provides an example of a systematic and practical process for gathering patient input that other healthcare systems can adapt to their local contexts.

COPD patients' experiences, self-reported needs, and needs-driven strategies to cope with self-management

Background: COPD is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ experiences, self-reported needs, and needs-driven strategies to cope with self-management of COPD.

Patients and methods: In this phenomenological study, 10 participants with mild to severe COPD were interviewed 1–2 times, until data saturation was reached. In total, 15 in-depth interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and analyzed.

Results: COPD negatively affected participants’ physical and psychosocial well-being, their family relationships, and social life. They described their experiences of COPD like fighting a war without weapons in an ever-shrinking world with a loss of freedom at most levels, always fearing possible breathlessness. Fourteen needs were identified and eight clusters of needs-driven strategies that participants used to cope with self-management of COPD. Coping with the reality of COPD, a life-threatening disease, meant coping with dyspnea, feelings of suffocation, indescribable smoking addiction, anxiety, and lack of knowledge about the disease. Reduced participation in family and social life meant loss of ability to perform usual and treasured activities. Having a positive mindset, accepting help and assuming healthy lifestyle was important, as well as receiving continuous professional health care services. The participants’ needs-driven strategies comprised conducting financial arrangements, maintaining hope, and fighting their smoking addiction, seeking knowledge about COPD, thinking differently, facing the broken chain of health care, and struggling with accepting support. Procrastination and avoidance were also evident. Finally, the study also found that participants experienced a perpetuating cycle of dyspnea, anxiety, and fear of breathlessness due to COPD which could lead to more severe dyspnea and even panic attacks.

Conclusion: COPD negatively affects patients’ physical and psychosocial well-being, family relationships and, social life. Identifying patients’ self-reported needs and needs-driven strategies can enable clinicians to empower patients by educating them to improve their self-management.

Rehabilitation in lung diseases: 'Education' component of pulmonary rehabilitation

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a complex intervention with described core components of individualized exercise training and inter-disciplinary education in international guidelines. Compared to the overwhelming evidence of benefit for exercise training, the education component has received little attention. Educating patients about their symptoms and disease management appears intuitive to improve their health, but how and when is less clear. PR has provided an opportunity for educational activities and traditionally this has been delivered in the form of didactic lectures. The field is evolving and challenges are apparent raising important questions. What is the purpose and outcomes of the education component? Do specific diseases require specific education or PR programmes? How to provide interdisciplinary education? Is the timing optimal within the disease trajectory (most patients are referred to PR with moderate to severe disease)? Can technology help? Our review explores the recent evidence for the 'education' component of PR synthesizing the global guidelines. We discuss the challenges for patients as learners, healthcare professionals as educators and propose future directions for this core component of PR.

Assessment of Self-Management Treatment Needs Among COPD Helpline Callers

Telephone quitlines are an effective population-based strategy for smoking cessation, particularly among individuals with tobacco-related diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Expanding quitline services to provide COPD-focused self-management interventions is potentially beneficial; however, data are needed to identify specific treatment needs in this population. We conducted a telephone-based survey (N = 5,772) to examine educational needs, behavioral health characteristics, and disease-related interference among individuals with COPD who received services from the American Lung Association (ALA) Lung Helpline. Most participants (73.7%) were interested in COPD-focused information, and few had received prior instruction in breathing exercises (33.9%), energy conservation (26.5%), or airway clearing (32.1%). About one-third of participants engaged in regular exercise, 16.3% followed a special diet, and 81.4% were current smokers. Most participants (78.2%) reported COPD-related interference in daily activities and 30.8% had been hospitalized within the past six months for their breathing. Nearly half of participants (45.4%) reported current symptoms of anxiety or depression. Those with vs. without anxiety/depression had higher rates of COPD-related interference (83.9% vs. 73.5%, p < .001) and past six-month hospitalization (33.4% vs. 28.3%, p < .001). In conclusion, this survey identified strong interest in disease-focused education; a lack of prior instruction in specific self-management strategies for COPD; and behavioral health needs in the areas of exercise, diet, and smoking cessation. Anxiety and depression symptoms were common and associated with greater disease burden, underscoring the importance of addressing coping with negative emotions. Implications for self-management treatments that target multiple behavioral needs of COPD patients are discussed.

Control and Context Are Central for People With Advanced Illness Experiencing Breathlessness: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis

CONTEXT

Breathlessness is common and distressing in advanced illness. It is a challenge to assess, with few effective treatment options. To evaluate new treatments, appropriate outcome measures that reflect the concerns of people experiencing breathlessness are needed.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to systematically review and synthesize the main concerns of people with advanced illness experiencing breathlessness to guide comprehensive clinical assessment and inform future outcome measurement in clinical practice and research.

METHODS

This is a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology. MEDLINE (1946-2017), PsycINFO (1806-2017), and EMBASE (1974-2017), as well as key journals, gray literature, reference lists, and citation searches, identified qualitative studies exploring the concerns of people living with breathlessness. Included studies were quality-assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program checklist and analyzed using thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

We included 38 studies with 672 participants. Concerns were identified across six domains of "total" breathlessness: physical, emotional, spiritual, social, control, and context (chronic and episodic breathlessness). Four of these have been previously identified in the concept of "total dyspnea." Control and context have been newly identified as important, particularly in their influence on coping and help-seeking behavior. The importance of social participation, impact on relationships, and loss of perceived role within social and spiritual domains also emerged as being significant to individuals.

CONCLUSION

People with advanced illness living with breathlessness have concerns in multiple domains, supporting a concept of "total breathlessness." This adapted model can help to guide comprehensive clinical assessment and inform future outcome measurement in clinical practice and research.

Exploring medicines management by COPD patients and their social networks after hospital discharge

Background Unplanned hospital admissions (UHAs) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are a major burden on health services. Effective medicines management is crucial to avoid such admissions but little is known about the role of social networks in supporting medicines-taking. Objective To examine the activities and strategies recently discharged COPD patients and their social network members (SNMs) utilise to manage their medicines. Setting COPD patients recently discharged from an acute NHS Trust in Northwest England. Methods Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews; audio-recorded and transcribed with consent, NVivo v11 facilitated qualitative thematic analysis. NHS ethical approved. Main outcome measure Interview topic guide and analysis informed by Cheraghi-Sohi et al.’s conceptual framework for ‘medication work’ exploring medication–articulation, informational, emotional and surveillance work. Results Twelve interviews were conducted during March–August 2016. Participants’ social networks were small (n < 5) and restricted to family members and healthcare professionals. Participants social network members performed similar medication–articulation and surveillance work to coronary heart disease, arthritis and diabetes patients. When participants social network members resolved issues identified by surveillance work, this medication work was conceptualised as surveillance–articulation work. The social network members performed little emotional work and were infrequently involved in informational work despite some participants describing informational needs. After discharge, participants reverted to pre-admission routines/habits/strategies for obtaining medication supplies, organising medicines, keeping track of supplies, ensuring adherence within daily regimens, and monitoring symptoms, which could cause issues. Conclusion This study applied Cheraghi-Sohi’s framework for medication work to COPD patients and described the role of the social network members. Pharmacists could proactively explore medication infrastructures and work with patients and their close social network members to support medication work.

The nurse's challenge of caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary health care

AIM

The aim was to describe asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease nurses' experiences of caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary health care.

DESIGN

Descriptive qualitative research.

METHODS

Ten asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease specialized nurses were interviewed. Systematic Text Condensation by Malterud was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Two main categories were found: the patient-nurse relationship and available resources. Several challenges emerged when connecting with patients and the nurses found it difficult to individualize care. They struggled with a lack of time and support from other professionals. Being responsible for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease practice was experienced as positive, but could become overwhelming. The asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease nurses described several challenges and the need for support and resources to provide the best possible care for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Support needs of patients with COPD: a systematic literature search and narrative review

Introduction

Understanding the breadth of patients’ support needs is important for the delivery of person-centered care, particularly in progressive long-term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Existing reviews identify important aspects of managing life with COPD with which patients may need support (support needs); however, none of these comprehensively outlines the full range of support needs that patients can experience. We therefore sought to systematically determine the full range of support needs for patients with COPD to inform development of an evidence-based tool to enable person-centered care.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search and narrative review of the literature. Medline (Ovid), EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were systematically searched for papers which included data addressing key aspects of support need, as identified by patients with COPD. Relevant data were extracted, and a narrative analysis was conducted.

Results

Thirty-one papers were included in the review, and the following 13 domains (broad areas) of support need were identified: 1) understanding COPD, 2) managing symptoms and medication, 3) healthy lifestyle, 4) managing feelings and worries, 5) living positively with COPD, 6) thinking about the future, 7) anxiety and depression, 8) practical support, 9) finance work and housing, 10) families and close relationships, 11) social and recreational life, 12) independence, and 13) navigating services. These 13 domains of support need were mapped to three of the four overarching categories of need commonly used in relevant national strategy documents (ie, physical, psychological, and social); however, support needs related to the fourth category (spiritual) were notably absent.

Conclusion

This review systematically identifies the comprehensive set of domains of support need for patients with COPD. The findings provide the evidence base for a tool to help patients identify and express their support needs, which underpins a proposed intervention to enable the delivery of person-centered care: the Support Needs Approach for Patients (SNAP).

Living with breathlessness: a systematic literature review and qualitative synthesis

What is the experience of people living with breathlessness due to medical conditions, those caring for them and those treating them, with regard to quality of life and the nature of clinical interactions?Electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus and PsycINFO) were searched (January 1987 to October 2017; English language), for qualitative studies exploring the experience of chronic breathlessness (patients, carers and clinicians). Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts and papers retrieved against inclusion criteria. Disagreements were resolved with a third reviewer. Primary qualitative data were extracted and synthesised using thematic synthesis.Inclusion and synthesis of 101 out of 2303 international papers produced four descriptive themes: 1) widespread effects of breathlessness; 2) coping; 3) help-seeking behaviour; and 4) clinicians' responsiveness to the symptom of breathlessness. The themes were combined to form the concept of "breathing space", to show how engaged coping and appropriate help-seeking (patient) and attention to symptom (clinician) helps maximise the patient's quality of living with breathlessness.Breathlessness has widespread impact on both patient and carer and affects breathing space. The degree of breathing space is influenced by interaction between the patient's coping style, their help-seeking behaviour and their clinician's responsiveness to breathlessness itself, in addition to managing the underlying disease.

Qualitative systematic review of barriers and facilitators to self-management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: views of patients and healthcare professionals

Self-management interventions for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can improve quality of life, reduce hospital admissions, and improve symptoms. However, many factors impede engagement for patients and practitioners. Qualitative research, with its focus on subjective experience, can provide invaluable insights into such factors. Therefore, a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative evidence on COPD self-management from the perspective of patients, carers, and practitioners was conducted. Following a systematic search and screening, 31 studies were appraised and data extracted for analysis. This review found that patients can adapt to COPD; however, learning to self-manage is often a protracted process. Emotional needs are considerable; frustration, depression, and anxiety are common. In addition, patients can face an assortment of losses and limitations on their lifestyle and social interaction. Over time, COPD can consume their existence, reducing motivation. Support from family can prove vital, yet tinged with ambivalence and burden. Practitioners may not have sufficient time, resources, or appropriate skills or confidence to provide effective self-management support, particularly in regard to patients' psychosocial needs. This can compound patients' capability to engage in self-management. For COPD self-management to be effective, patients' psychosocial needs must be prioritised alongside medication and exacerbation management. In addition, patients' personal beliefs regarding COPD and its management should be reviewed periodically to avoid problematic behaviours and enhance positive adaptions to the disease. Patients with COPD are not a homogenous group and no one intervention will prove effective for all. Finally, practitioners require greater education, training, and support to successfully assist patients.

A Lifestyle Physical Activity Intervention for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A Randomized Controlled Trial

RATIONALE

Physical inactivity is associated with poor outcomes among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

OBJECTIVES

To determine effectiveness of a behavioral intervention intended to increase daily physical activity with the goal of improving health-related quality of life and functional performance.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized trial among patients with COPD cared for in primary care and pulmonary clinics. The patients were at least 45 years of age and eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation. All patients received self-management education during a 6-week run-in period. Subsequently, patients were randomized to usual care or the intervention delivered over 20 weeks.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Co-primary outcomes were change from baseline in Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire dyspnea domain score and 6-minute-walk distance measured at 6, 12, and 18 months after randomization. A total of 325 patients were enrolled, with 156 randomized to receive usual care and 149 to receive the intervention. At 18 months, there was no overall statistical or clinically significant change in the dyspnea domain in either group. However, for 6-minute-walk distance, there were statistically significant declines in both groups. In contrast, 6-minute-walk distance remained stable (5.3 m; P = 0.54) among patients in the intervention group with moderate spirometric impairment, but it was associated with clinically and statistically significant declines (-28.7 m; P = 0.0001) among usual care patients with moderate spirometric impairment. Overall, there was no increase in adverse events associated with the intervention, which was associated with a lower prevalence of hospitalization for COPD exacerbations (28.3%) compared with usual care (49.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

During this 18-month trial among outpatients with COPD, a health coach-based behavioral intervention did not improve scores in the dyspnea domain of the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire or 6-minute-walk test distance. However, subgroup analyses suggested that there may be differential effects for specific outcomes that vary with severity of COPD. Specifically, benefits of this low-intensity intervention may be limited to 6-minute walk distance among patients with moderate spirometric impairment. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT1108991).

A qualitative study of patients' experiences of participating in SPACE for COPD: a Self-management Programme of Activity, Coping and Education

The aim of this study was to understand experiences of participation in a supported self-management programme for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a wealth of clinical trials examining the outcomes of self-management interventions for individuals with COPD, but current understanding regarding patients' perspectives of such complex interventions is limited. Further insight may help to tailor self-management interventions and maximise patient engagement.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals participating in a self-management programme, SPACE for COPD. Interviews took place at 6 weeks and 6 months following the programme. Data were analysed at each time point using inductive thematic analysis, and subsequently re-examined together.

40 interviews were undertaken and four themes emerged from the analysis: perceptions of the programme; lifestyle changes; social support; and disrupting factors and barriers to maintaining routines.

SPACE for COPD was acceptable to participants in this study. The importance of education and social support was emphasised at both time points studied, but there were challenges such as comorbidities, ill health of family members and limited maintenance of exercise behaviours over the longer term. Further consideration of the role of carers and partners may help to improve adherence to self-management programmes once healthcare professional support has stopped.

Participants valued SPACE for COPD but met complex barriers to independently maintain healthy behaviour long-termhttp://ow.ly/X7Ch30eMTVn

Home-based COPD psychoeducation: A qualitative study of the patients' experiences

OBJECTIVE

To explore the patients' experiences of a minimal home-based psychoeducative intervention aimed at reducing symptoms of anxiety.

BACKGROUND

In a randomised controlled trial (RCT) we have shown that a minimal home-based and nurse-led psychoeducative intervention has a significant effect in reducing symptoms of anxiety and increasing mastery of dyspnoea in patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, we do not know if the intervention is perceived as meaningful and applicable in the everyday life of patients with advanced COPD.

METHODS

We conducted a nested post-trial qualitative study. The study methodology was Interpretive Description as described by Thorne. The study was based on semi-structured interviews with twenty patients from the RCT intervention group i.g. home-living people with a diagnosis of advanced COPD and symptoms of anxiety.

RESULTS

The patients described that making anxiety visible makes it manageable and provides relief. The patients described a feeling of being alone with managing anxiety and dyspnea, and the only way to gain in control of their cognitions was to mobilise internal resources. The intervention was appreciated by patients because it strengthened their internal resources. Further, it was perceived as a relief that the intervention insisted on talking about anxiety and thereby invited patients to verbalise worries related to end-of-life.

CONCLUSION

This study offers knowledge to better understand the patients' experiences of a psychoeducative intervention. The intervention was perceived as comprehensible and applicable in the patients' everyday life and contributed to the patients' ability to self-manage their condition.

Physical Inactivity, Self-Management, and Living Well With COPD

Physical inactivity is an underrecognized and undertreated lifestyle behavior among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is independently associated with a number of adverse health-related outcomes. Pulmonary rehabilitation with exercise training provides an efficacious intervention with short-term improvements, but it is an infrequently used modality and does not consistently result in longer term increases in physical activity. Similarly, pedometer self-monitoring with coaching has demonstrated short-term increases in physical activity. However, further research is needed to determine the optimal method to support long-term behavior change that will have the greatest benefit. While available evidence suggests that reversing physical inactivity is an essential component of self-management to optimize health, it is only one component of a complex set of interventions needed to support patients in adapting to their chronic condition. In the future, this support will ideally start with identification of specific patient phenotypes, which describes their adaptation to the condition based on patients' knowledge, skills, confidence, symptoms, and impairments. This information will then be used to tailor education and behavior change strategies over the long term to promote sustainable physical activity and other healthy lifestyles.

Using health psychology techniques to manage chronic physical symptoms

Chest pain and palpitations, non-malignant pain, breathlessness and fatigue often endure despite the receipt of appropriate nursing and medical care. This is distressing for patients, impacts on their quality of life and ability to function and is associated with high healthcare usage and costs. The cognitive behavioural approach offers nurses a model to understand how people's perceptions and beliefs and their emotional, behavioural and physiological reactions are linked. Common 'thinking errors' which can exacerbate symptom severity and impact are highlighted. Understanding of this model may help nurses to help patients cope better with their symptoms by helping them to come up with alternative more helpful beliefs and practices. Many Improving Access to Psychological Therapy services offer support to people with chronic physical symptoms and nurses are encouraged to sign post patients to them.

Patient coping strategies in COPD across disease severity and quality of life: a qualitative study

Quality of life (QoL) has a weak relationship with lung function (LF) impairment in COPD; some cope well despite poor LF, whereas others suffer disproportionate QoL impairment despite well-preserved LF. Adjuvant non-pharmacological interventions such as rehabilitation and psychological/behavioural support may help if acceptable and targeted appropriately, but they are under-used and sometimes declined by patients. This study aimed to explore and understand variations in experiences and coping strategies in patients with different severities of disease and disease-specific QoL. Thirty-four participants were purposively sampled across a spectrum of LF and QoL impairment, to cover a grid of sub-groups (‘very severe LF, good QoL’, moderate LF, poor QoL’ and so on). Semi-structured interviews, digitally recorded, were analysed by thematic analysis. Data saturation was achieved. Four themes emerged: symptom impact, coping strategies, coping challenges and support needs. Most of them described using multiple coping strategies, yet over half reported significant challenges coping with COPD, including psychological impact, non-acceptance of diagnosis and/or disease progression, effects of co-morbidities and inadequate self-management skills. Approximately half of the participants wanted further help, ideally non-pharmacological, across all LF impairment groups but mainly with lower QoL. Those with lower QoL additionally reported greater psychological distress and greater use of non-pharmacological support strategies where accessible. Patients who develop effective coping strategies have a better QoL independent of objective LF, whereas others cope poorly, are aware of this and report more use of non-pharmacological approaches. This study suggests that severely impaired QoL, irrelevant of lung function, is a powerful patient-centred indication to explore the positive benefits of psychological and behavioural support for distressed COPD patients.

Self-care for people coping with long-term health conditions in the community: the views of patients and GPs

Purpose

Long-term health problems put great pressures on health and social care services. Supporting ‘self-care’ has measurable benefits in helping patients cope better, but is difficult to do in practice. This review aims to help improve services by exploring existing evidence about the views of patients and GPs.

Design/methodology/approach

The search terms were identified following detailed discussion with service users. Five databases (PUBMED, CINAHL, TRIP, SCIE and PSYCINFO) were interrogated against pre-set questions and criteria. The data were managed in EndNote v6 and analysed in a series of Word tables.

Findings

37 community-based studies were identified, covering diverse chronic illnesses. Analysis of ‘barriers and enablers’ showed a very complex picture, with health systems often actively inhibiting the responsiveness and flexibility which support self-care. Directly seeking service user and practitioner views could shape more effective services

Research limitations/implications

Further research is needed into: the purpose and outcomes of user involvement, the relationship between integrated care and self-care, how patient motivation and resilience can be encouraged in primary care and the effect of current incentive schemes on self-care support Due to organisational changes, eligible studies were reviewed by one researcher only and these were mainly qualitative studies lacking generalisability. However, the results spanned a range of settings and health conditions. They are also clearly supported by later primary research findings

Practical implications

Several evidence-based, achievable opportunities to improve self-care support in primary care settings are identified

Originality/value

This service-user study, offers detailed analysis of what helps or hinders self-care in everyday life

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients' Experiences of an Enhanced Self-Management Model of Care

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is debilitating and costly. Self-management is championed to empower individuals to better manage their condition and also to efficiently utilize health resources. As a multi-disciplinary team, we conducted focus group research with individuals living with COPD who were participating in a longitudinal study to use an electronic "diary" to monitor, record, and transmit their own health status, plus receiving regular nurse visits. The main aims of the focus groups were to investigate how far individuals embraced the electronic diary and experienced it as an aid to the self-management of their condition. We also looked at the importance of the nurse visits to the process. Thematic analysis revealed that patients responded positively to the use of technology (the electronic diary), including psychological benefits of perceived support offered by the remote symptom surveillance. Findings also showed patients' increased awareness and monitoring of personal symptoms together with an improved understanding of disease self-management. Nurse support emerged as an important "human" factor in the process. In addition, a reduction in hospital admission was observed, thus reducing costs to the health service.

Supported self-management for patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): an evidence synthesis and economic analysis

BACKGROUND

Self-management (SM) support for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is variable in its coverage, content, method and timing of delivery. There is insufficient evidence for which SM interventions are the most effective and cost-effective.

OBJECTIVES

To undertake (1) a systematic review of the evidence for the effectiveness of SM interventions commencing within 6 weeks of hospital discharge for an exacerbation for COPD (review 1); (2) a systematic review of the qualitative evidence about patient satisfaction, acceptance and barriers to SM interventions (review 2); (3) a systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of SM support interventions within 6 weeks of hospital discharge for an exacerbation of COPD (review 3); (4) a cost-effectiveness analysis and economic model of post-exacerbation SM support compared with usual care (UC) (economic model); and (5) a wider systematic review of the evidence of the effectiveness of SM support, including interventions (such as pulmonary rehabilitation) in which there are significant components of SM, to identify which components are the most important in reducing exacerbations, hospital admissions/readmissions and improving quality of life (review 4).

METHODS

The following electronic databases were searched from inception to May 2012: MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Science Citation Index [Institute of Scientific Information (ISI)]. Subject-specific databases were also searched: PEDro physiotherapy evidence database, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Airways Group Register of Trials. Ongoing studies were sourced through the metaRegister of Current Controlled Trials, International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number database, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. Specialist abstract and conference proceedings were sourced through ISI's Conference Proceedings Citation Index and British Library's Electronic Table of Contents (Zetoc). Hand-searching through European Respiratory Society, the American Thoracic Society and British Thoracic Society conference proceedings from 2010 to 2012 was also undertaken, and selected websites were also examined. Title, abstracts and full texts of potentially relevant studies were scanned by two independent reviewers. Primary studies were included if ≈90% of the population had COPD, the majority were of at least moderate severity and reported on any intervention that included a SM component or package. Accepted study designs and outcomes differed between the reviews. Risk of bias for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed using the Cochrane tool. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to combine studies where appropriate. A Markov model, taking a 30-year time horizon, compared a SM intervention immediately following a hospital admission for an acute exacerbation with UC. Incremental costs and quality-adjusted life-years were calculated, with sensitivity analyses.

RESULTS

From 13,355 abstracts, 10 RCTs were included for review 1, one study each for reviews 2 and 3, and 174 RCTs for review 4. Available studies were heterogeneous and many were of poor quality. Meta-analysis identified no evidence of benefit of post-discharge SM support on admissions [hazard ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.52 to 1.17], mortality (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.54) and most other health outcomes. A modest improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was identified but this was possibly biased due to high loss to follow-up. The economic model was speculative due to uncertainty in impact on readmissions. Compared with UC, post-discharge SM support (delivered within 6 weeks of discharge) was more costly and resulted in better outcomes (£683 cost difference and 0.0831 QALY gain). Studies assessing the effect of individual components were few but only exercise significantly improved HRQoL (3-month St George's Respiratory Questionnaire 4.87, 95% CI 3.96 to 5.79). Multicomponent interventions produced an improved HRQoL compared with UC (mean difference 6.50, 95% CI 3.62 to 9.39, at 3 months). Results were consistent with a potential reduction in admissions. Interventions with more enhanced care from health-care professionals improved HRQoL and reduced admissions at 1-year follow-up. Interventions that included supervised or unsupervised structured exercise resulted in significant and clinically important improvements in HRQoL up to 6 months.

LIMITATIONS

This review was based on a comprehensive search strategy that should have identified most of the relevant studies. The main limitations result from the heterogeneity of studies available and widespread problems with their design and reporting.

CONCLUSIONS

There was little evidence of benefit of providing SM support to patients shortly after discharge from hospital, although effects observed were consistent with possible improvement in HRQoL and reduction in hospital admissions. It was not easy to tease out the most effective components of SM support packages, although interventions containing exercise seemed the most effective. Future work should include qualitative studies to explore barriers and facilitators to SM post exacerbation and novel approaches to affect behaviour change, tailored to the individual and their circumstances. Any new trials should be properly designed and conducted, with special attention to reducing loss to follow-up. Individual participant data meta-analysis may help to identify the most effective components of SM interventions.

STUDY REGISTRATION

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42011001588.

FUNDING

The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.

A metasynthesis of factors affecting self-management of chronic illness

AIM

To identify factors that may serve as facilitators and barriers to self-management described by adults living with chronic illness by conducting a qualitative metasynthesis.

BACKGROUND

Self-management is an individuals' active management of a chronic illness in collaboration with their family members and clinicians.

DESIGN

Qualitative metasynthesis.

DATA SOURCES

We analysed studies (N = 53) published between January 2000-May 2013 that described factors affecting self-management in chronic illness as reported by adults aged over 18 years with chronic illness.

REVIEW METHODS

Sandelowsi and Barroso approach to qualitative metasynthesis: literature search; quality appraisal; analysis and synthesis of findings.

RESULTS

Collectively, article authors reported on sixteen chronic illnesses, most commonly diabetes (N = 28) and cardiovascular disease (N = 20). Participants included men and women (mean age = 57, range 18-94) from 20 countries representing diverse races and ethnicities. We identified five categories of factors affecting self-management: Personal/Lifestyle Characteristics; Health Status; Resources; Environmental Characteristics; and Health Care System. Factors may interact to affect self-management and may exist on a continuum of positive (facilitator) to negative (barrier).

CONCLUSION

Understanding factors that influence self-management may improve assessment of self-management among adults with chronic illness and may inform interventions tailored to meet individuals' needs and improve health outcomes.

Important, misunderstood, and challenging: a qualitative study of nurses' and allied health professionals' perceptions of implementing self-management for patients with COPD

Background

In light of the growing burden of COPD, there is increasing focus on the role of self-management for this population. Currently, self-management varies widely. Little is known either about nurses’ and allied health professionals’ (AHPs’) understanding and provision of self-management in clinical practice. This study explores nurses’ and AHPs’ understanding and implementation of supported COPD self-management within routine clinical practice.

Materials and methods

Nurses and AHPs participated in face-to-face semistructured interviews to explore their understanding and provision of COPD self-management, as well as their perceptions of the challenges to providing such care. Purposive sampling was used to select participants from a range of professions working within primary, community, and secondary care settings. Three researchers independently analyzed each transcript using a thematic approach.

Results

A total of 14 participants were interviewed. Nurses and AHPs viewed self-management as an important aspect of COPD care, but often misunderstood what it involved, leading to variation in practice. A number of challenges to supporting self-management were identified, which related to lack of time, lack of insight regarding training needs, and assumptions regarding patients’ perceived self-management abilities.

Conclusion

Nurses and AHPs delivering self-management require clear guidance, training in the use of effective self-management skills, and education that challenges their preconceptions regarding patients. The design of health care services also needs to consider the practical barriers to COPD self-management support for the implementation of such interventions to be successful.

[Perceptions of patients and health professionals about the quality of care provided to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the understanding and knowledge of patients and health professionals about factors that influence the quality of care provided in Primary Care to people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

DESIGN

Qualitative study performed between February and March 2010.

LOCATION

Primary Care Centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Medical and nursing professionals and patients with COPD.

METHODS

Non-probabilistic intentional sampling with representation criterion of the discourse. Two group (focus group) and 6 individual interviews were performed. The interviews were recorded, literally transcribed and interpreted by social discourse analysis.

RESULTS

Patients neither identify properly the symptomatology nor they assume the COPD importance until advanced states. The lacks of knowledge about the evolution of the disease and the impact on quality of life hinders the necessary changes. Professionals reports problems with performing spirometry. Among doctors, scepticism regarding to the effectiveness of the interventions aimed at change of behaviour is identified. The existence of Clinical Guides, the improvement of the coordination between professionals and the alignment of priorities between managers and professionals stand out as organizational factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified factors suggest the possibility of improving the health care through improved communication to motivate them to take the recommended changes and to increase the adherence to treatments. To this effect, the awareness and training of professionals, the healthcare coordination, the implementation of Clinical Guides and the use of indicators in a process of quality assessment.

A revised Self- and Family Management Framework

BACKGROUND

Research on self- and family management of chronic conditions has advanced over the past 6 years, but the use of simple frameworks has hampered the understanding of the complexities involved.

PURPOSE

We sought to update our previously published model with new empirical, synthetic, and theoretical work.

METHODS

We used synthesis of previous studies to update the framework.

DISCUSSION

We propose a revised framework that clarifies facilitators and barriers, processes, proximal outcomes, and distal outcomes of self- and family management and their relationships.

CONCLUSIONS

We offer the revised framework as a model that can be used in studies aimed at advancing self- and family management science. The use of the framework to guide studies would allow for the design of studies that can address more clearly how self-management interventions work and under what conditions.

Self-management in patients with COPD: theoretical context, content, outcomes, and integration into clinical care

In this narrative review, we put self-management in the context of a 50-year history of research about how patients with COPD respond to their illness. We review a definition of self-management, and emphasize that self-management should be combined with disease management and the chronic care model in order to be effective. Reviewing the empirical status of self-management in COPD, we conclude that self-management is part and parcel of modern, patient-oriented biopsychosocial care. In pulmonary rehabilitation programs, self-management is instrumental in improving patients' functional status and quality of life. We conclude by emphasizing how studying the way persons with COPD make sense of their illness helps in refining self-management, and thereby patient-reported outcomes in COPD.

Primary and secondary care clinicians' views on self-treatment of COPD exacerbations: a multinational qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

To explore clinicians' views on antibiotic and/or steroid 'rescue packs' used as self-treatment for patients with exacerbations of COPD.

METHODS

21 focus groups conducted in 7 countries--Netherlands, Russia, Norway, China (Hong Kong), Wales, Germany and Poland involving 142 primary care clinicians and pulmonologists.

RESULTS

We found wide variation in reported use of and attitudes to self-treatment among GPs and pulmonologists in the participating countries. Clinicians highlighted the importance of identifying patients who were most likely to benefit (those with more severe disease) and most likely to use the treatment appropriately (demonstrated by previous behaviour), and the importance of adequate patient education and ongoing communication in regard to use of self-treatment packs. Clinicians recognised patient empowerment and facilitating prompt treatment as potential benefits of self-treatment. However, many felt they did not have the time or resources for appropriate patient selection and education.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians do not feel it is appropriate to offer self-treatment rescue packs to all patients routinely without careful consideration of patient understanding of their illness and their capacity for self-management.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Adequate resources and continuity of patient care are required for clinicians to feel confident in the safe and effective implementation of this strategy.

Uncertainty prior to pulmonary rehabilitation in primary care: A phenomenological qualitative study in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for patients functionally restricted by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, attendance and adherence to PR remains suboptimal. No previous research has explored COPD patient experiences during the key period from referral to initiation of PR in the United Kingdom. This research aimed to explore the lived experience of COPD patients referred to PR programmes prior to participation. COPD participants were recruited from referrals to two community PR programmes. Semi-structured interviews with COPD participants occurred following PR referral, but prior to programme initiation. Data were analyzed using applied interpretive phenomenology. Twenty-five COPD participants aged 42-90 were interviewed. 'Uncertainty' affected participants throughout their lived experience of COPD that negatively impacted illness perceptions, PR perceptions and increased participant's panic and anger. Participants who perceived COPD less as a chronic condition and more as a cyclical process experienced fewer feelings of panic or anger. The experience of uncertainty was disabling for these COPD participants. Recognition of the role that uncertainty plays in patients with COPD is the first step towards developing interventions focused on reducing this uncertainty, thereby reducing the burden of the disease for the individual patient and facilitating PR attendance.

Unmet needs of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a qualitative study on patients and doctors

BACKGROUND

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease with repeated exacerbations resulting in gradual debilitation. The quality of life has been shown to be poor in patients with COPD despite efforts to improve self-management. However, the evidence on the benefit of self-management in COPD is conflicting. Whether this could be due to other unmet needs of patients have not been investigated. Therefore, we aimed to explore unmet needs of patients from both patients and doctors managing COPD.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative study with doctors and patients in Malaysia. We used convenience sampling to recruit patients until data saturation. Eighteen patients and eighteen doctors consented and were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and checked by the interviewers. Data were analysed using a thematic approach.

RESULTS

The themes were similar for both the patients and doctors. Three main themes emerged: knowledge and awareness of COPD, psychosocial and physical impact of COPD and the utility of self-management. Knowledge about COPD was generally poor. Patients were not familiar with the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD. The word 'asthma' was used synonymously with COPD by both patients and doctors. Most patients experienced difficulties in their psychosocial and physical functions such as breathlessness, fear and helplessness. Most patients were not confident in self-managing their illness and prefer a more passive role with doctors directing their care.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our study showed that knowledge of COPD is generally poor. There was mislabelling of COPD as asthma by both patients and physicians. This could have resulted in the lack of understanding of treatment options, outcomes, and prognosis of COPD. The misconception that cough due to COPD was contagious, and breathlessness that resulted from COPD, had important physical and psychosocial impact, and could lead to social isolation. Most patients and physicians did not favour self-management approaches, suggesting innovations based on self-management may be of limited benefit.