Development of a family-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme: an exploratory study. (July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marques, Alda; Gabriel, Raquel; Jácome, Cristina; Cruz, Joana; Brooks, Dina; Figueiredo, Daniela
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 37:Number 15(2015:Jul.)
• Page Start: 1340
• Page End: 1346
• Publication Date: 2015-07
• Subjects: People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2014.964376
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <italic>Purpose</italic>: 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. <italic>Method</italic>: 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. <italic>Results</italic>: Patients (<italic>n</italic> = 35; 69 ± 10 years; FEV<sub>1</sub> 62 ± 15% predicted) and family members (<italic>n</italic> = 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 <italic>p</italic> values < 0.023). Patients and family members seem to use more positive coping behaviours (<italic>p</italic> = 0.026; <italic>p</italic> = 0.011). Patients (<italic>n</italic> = 7; 78%) and family members (<italic>n</italic> = 8; 89%) considered having more knowledge about COPD and its management. Patients felt more functional (<italic>n</italic> = 9; 100%) and reported their family members to be more active (<italic>n</italic> = 3; 38%). In family members' perspective, their relationship with the care receiver was enhanced (<italic>n</italic> = 2; 22%). <italic>Conclusions</italic>: PR programmes, if inclusive of family members, may enhance the skills of the whole family to manage COPD.<list list-type="bullet"><title>Implications for Rehabilitation</title><list-item><p>Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their family members have similar expectations and needs about a family-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme.</p></list-item><list-item><p>A family-based PR programme is feasible to implement within primary care.</p></list-item><list-item><p>PR programmes, if inclusive of family members, may enhance the skills of the whole family to manage COPD.</p></list-item></list></p> </abstract>