Article

This study explored the expectations of patients with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and family members about a family-based
pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme; developed and implemented a family-based
PR programme and explored the impacts of the intervention on patients and family members. METHOD: Patients with COPD and family members were interviewed. A
family-based PR programme was designed. Patients' breathlessness, muscle
strength, exercise tolerance, functional balance and health-related quality of
life were collected pre/post-programme. Family coping and adjustment to illness
were measured in patients and family members. Focus groups were conducted after
the programme. RESULTS: Patients (n = 35; 69 +/- 10 years; FEV1 62 +/- 15%
predicted) and family members (n = 35; 57 +/- 12 years) had similar
expectations/needs about a PR programme. Nine dyads participated. Patients'
quadriceps strength, exercise tolerance and functional balance improved
significantly (all p values < 0.023). Patients and family members seem to use
more positive coping behaviours (p = 0.026; p = 0.011). Patients (n = 7; 78%) and
family members (n = 8; 89%) considered having more knowledge about COPD and its
management. Patients felt more functional (n = 9; 100%) and reported their family
members to be more active (n = 3; 38%). In family members' perspective, their
relationship with the care receiver was enhanced (n = 2; 22%). CONCLUSIONS: PR
programmes, if inclusive of family members, may enhance the skills of the whole
family to manage COPD. Implications for Rehabilitation Patients with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their family members have similar
expectations and needs about a family-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)
programme. A family-based PR programme is feasible to implement within primary
care. PR programmes, if inclusive of family members, may enhance the skills of
the whole family to manage COPD.

Langue : ANGLAIS