Abstract
COPD, a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, often occurs in the presence of co-morbidities which may influence experience and management of the disease. No prior study seemed to have gained perspectives of newly-diagnosed primary care COPD patients, particularly in relation to co-morbidities. This qualitative study aimed to explore the biopsychosocial impact of a new diagnosis of COPD in the context of multi-morbidity and to gain an understanding of how patients react to the diagnosis and incorporate it into their lives.
Participants were identified from a cohort of primary care patients with multi-morbidity recently diagnosed with COPD.
Data was collected via semi-structured interviews from 9 male and 8 female participants aged between 40 and 85. Thematic analysis revealed that most participants had difficulty recognising the importance of COPD and its long-term implications. In many cases, the salience of another chronic condition outweighed COPD. Self-management capacity and utilisation of healthcare services were challenged by limited understanding of the disease.
This study is thought to be a first in providing an insight into how primary care patients feel about being diagnosed with COPD, as well as their prioritisation of the disease in the context of multi-morbidity. It highlights the need for tailored education and personalised management plans incorporating COPD patients' perspectives in primary care.
- © 2014 ERS
