International Journal of Nursing

Impact of Self-Management Program on Clinical Outcomes of Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
1Doaa El Sayed Fadila, Fatma Magdi Ibrahim

Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among elderly worldwide. Elderly patients with COPD experience a succession of distressing physical, psychological and social changes. Currently, there is no cure for COPD or its debilitating effects on pulmonary function. As a result, health care professionals have shifted their focus from reversing the disease process to reducing disability. Aim: This study was carried out to evaluate the impact of self-management program on clinical outcomes of elderly patients with COPD. Materials and method: The study was conducted in the chest diseases department of Mansoura University Hospital. A total of 54 elderly patients with COPD were randomly assigned into two equal groups: the study group received self-management program in addition to usual hospital care and the control group received the usual hospital care only. The clinical outcomes were measured by pulmonary function test, arterial blood gases, and modified Borg Dyspnea Scale. Results: The study revealed that, the study group showed improvement in pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gases and had lower level of dyspnea. The benefits were maintained 6 months after program. Conclusions: Self-management program was proven to be an effective non pharmacological intervention in the management of elderly patients with stable COPD.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijn.v8n1a7