Development of a family-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme: an exploratory study

Abstract

Purpose: 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?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.