TY - JOUR T1 - Living with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): The male carer's story JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 38 IS - Suppl 55 SP - 167 AU - Terry Robinson AU - Giles Fitch Y1 - 2011/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/167.abstract N2 - Introduction and objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to gain a better knowledge and understanding of the male caring role in COPD, and to explore the ways in which individual carers live with COPD patients.Methods: A prospective unstructured audiotaped interview using a phenomenological approach was used to collect data from ten men (mean age 70.1 years) living with wives or partners who had severe COPD.Results: Recurrent themes emerged. Most participants reported lack of support and social isolation as they lacked the network of friends and family around them that women appear to have. Previously enjoyed activities such as holidays and sexual relationships were no longer possible for many, leading to increased stress and resentment. Hospital admissions led to increased work load and even less time for the men, and many described how the future filled them with fear, especially if their partner deteriorated further, or if their own health deteriorated. Surprisingly six men did not perceive themselves as carers, preferring the word “partner” to carer. As they did not see themselves as carers they did not think they were entitled to or asked for help. Five men felt that caring did not come naturally to men, and felt women were better suited to the role as they had historically raised children and run the family home.Conclusion: Severe COPD impacts on all aspects of male carers' lives. The specific needs of male carers should be considered when designing and delivering services to this patient group. ER -