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Improving the uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD : qualitative study of experiences and attitudes

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journal contribution
posted on 2008-10-01, 00:00 authored by D Harris, M Hayter, Steven AllenderSteven Allender
Background
Pulmonary rehabilitation can improve the quality of life and ability to function of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It may also reduce hospital admission and inpatient stay with exacerbations of COPD. Some patients who are eligible for pulmonary rehabilitation may not accept an offer of it, thereby missing an opportunity to improve their health status.

Aim
To identify a strategy for improving the uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Design of study
Qualitative interviews with patients.

Setting
Patients with COPD were recruited from a suburban general practice in north-east Derbyshire, UK.

Method
In-depth interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 16 patients with COPD to assess their concerns about accepting an offer of pulmonary rehabilitation. Interviews were analysed using grounded theory.

Results
Fear of breathlessness and exercise, and the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on coexisting medical problems were the most common concerns patients had about taking part in the rehabilitation. The possibility of reducing the sensation of breathlessness and regaining the ability to do things, such as play with their grandchildren, were motivators to participating.

Conclusion
A model is proposed where patients who feel a loss of control as their disease advances may find that pulmonary rehabilitation offers them the opportunity to regain control. Acknowledging patients' fears and framing pulmonary rehabilitation as a way of ‘regaining control’ may improve patient uptake.

History

Journal

British journal of general practice

Volume

58

Pagination

703 - 710

Location

London, England

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

0960-1643

eISSN

1478-5242

Language

eng

Notes

Reproduced with the kind permission of the copyright owner.

Publication classification

C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2008, British Journal of General Practice