Volume 19 Issue 1 March 2010Original Research
The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on perceptions of
breathlessness and activity in COPD patients: a qualitative
study
Pages 45-51
*Veronika Williamsa, Anne Brutonb, Caroline Ellis-Hillb, Kathryn McPhersonc
a
School of Health and Social Care, University of Reading, Reading, UK
b
School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
c
Division of Rehabilitation and Occupation Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
Received 24 February 2009 • Accepted 4 May 2009 • Online 14 July 2009
Abstract
AIM: The aim of this study was to explore, using qualitative research methods, how pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes affect the
experience of activity and breathlessness of people with COPD.
METHODS: A qualitative, interview-based approach was employed. Participants were interviewed pre- and post-PR. Data were analysed
using systematic strategies informed by grounded theory methods.
RESULTS: Nine participants (three female) took part. A change in participants’ perception of breathlessness and lessening of fear of activity
were the main themes identified. PR appeared to impact on the experience of physical social activities, allowing participants to overcome
feelings of social isolation.
CONCLUSIONS: Prior to PR, participants associated activities with breathlessness and panic; post PR, participants reported reduced fear and
felt able to increase their activities. These findings add to our understanding of the impact of PR on individuals’ experience of activity and
may contribute to improved programmes by addressing patients’ needs.
Keywords
COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation, qualitative, patient experience, activity, breathlessness
* Corresponding author. Veronika Williams Tel: +44 (0)118 378 6813 Fax: +44 (0)118 378 6808 Email: v.m.williams@reading.ac.uk | |
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