Qualitative Study on COPD Essay

This is a qualitative study conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of a lifestyle behavioral intervention to increase physical activity among patients with moderate to severe COPD. (Wortz, K. 2012) 54 patients of age 45 or older were randomly selected from April 2010 through January 2011 using a patient registry database with a coded diagnosis of COPD along with physician referrals. Data collection consisted of: baseline, demographic, clinical and self-management needs, smoking status, spirometry, 6-min walk distance, BMI, Obstruction, SOB, Exercise Capacity (BODE) index, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ); which includes 10 open ended questions and Geriatric Depression Scale. A sample of 47 interviews with the mean age of 68.4 years old, 53% male, 87% white were used in the analysis. 57.5% has moderate COPD, 31.9% sever COPD, and 10.6% very severe COPD. (Wortz, K. 2012) The results of this analysis suggest that the content of self-management support with COPD should focus on addressing patients’ fears associated with the uncertainty, progression, suffering of their disease, expectations about overcoming or replacing losses, their needs for improved health literacy and their desire for improved care. Attention to these areas may enhance patient self-efficacy and motivation to improve self management.