Work

Identifying the self-management strategies of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in their daily lives: A qualitative survey

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an incurable chronic disease, and self-management is often used to support patients. Current research often targets clinical aspects, while actual self-management is performed by the patient at home. However, little is known about the patient experience. OBJECTIVES: This research identifies which self-management strategies people with COPD apply and what the facilitators and barriers are to adopting these. Specific attention is given to the recruitment approach, aiming to increase response rates and the generalizability of the self-management model. METHODS: A self-management survey developed for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) was adapted for COPD, pilot-tested, and disseminated via traditional (e.g., via email) and enhanced (e.g., offline support) recruitment routes. Anonymized responses were deductively coded, using the self-management model for RMDs and the model of positive health. RESULTS: From 33 respondents, 152 self-management strategies were identified. All strategies could be categorised using the self-management model. 'Physical activity' was the most common category. Motivations to start a strategy are mostly derived from the 'bodily functioning dimension'. Participants reported 122 facilitators and 41 barriers, such as 'time' and 'support'. Passive approaches, in which participants themselves have to sign up, to improve response rates, were not substantial. CONCLUSION: People with COPD perform diverse self-management strategies. These efforts may not always be visible in the clinical setting, as these are often initiated by one's search journey and thus are additional to standard Healthcare Professionals´ (HCP) advice. Future research should investigate alternative approaches to reach the wider COPD population.

Source: Heart & Lung

DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2025.11.022

Authors: Eline te Braake, Christiane Grünloh, Monique Tabak

Institutions: Roessingh Research and Development, University of Twente

Language: English

Topic: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,600