Effects of a 6-Month Nurse-Led Self-Management Program on Comprehensive Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Patients with COPD Receiving Home Oxygen Therapy

Purpose: This study was to examine the effectiveness of a nurse-led 6-month comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program for stage IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients receiving home oxygen therapy. Design: A controlled clinical study was performed. Methods: Face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with the intervention group, whereas conventional education was given to the control group. Findings: Fifteen participants were analyzed in each group. There were no improvements in physiological outcomes; however, the severity of dyspnea, social activity, and walking distance significantly improved in the intervention group, and consequently quality of life was improved. Three patients in the intervention group received treatment for cold-like-symptoms but did not require hospitalization. However, five patients in the control group received treatment for cold-like-symptoms and two required hospitalization. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that our program contributes to patients’ learning of self-management skills and significantly improves dyspnea, social activity level, walking distance, and overall quality of life.