Understanding fear and anxiety in patients at the time of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study

ObjectivesTo determine the importance of fear and anxiety at the time of an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. To assess the influence of carers and health professionals on this fear and anxiety.DesignA qualitative study to elicit the views of patients and their carers during a hospital admission for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.SettingInterviews were conducted in a District General Hospital.ParticipantsTwenty patients were interviewed shortly after admission to hospital with an exacerbation.Main outcome measuresKey themes were identified using cross-sectional thematic analysis of transcripts where commonalities and differences were identified.ResultsFour themes emerged: panic and fear; anxiety management techniques used during an exacerbation; intervention from family members and carers; response to medical services.ConclusionPanic and fear are important emotions prior to admission. Many patients recognised the link between panic-fear and a worsening of sympt...