Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and engagement in occupation

Area of Science:

• Occupational therapy
• Pulmonary rehabilitation
• Qualitative research

Background:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impacts patients' daily lives and mental well-being.
• Understanding patient experiences is crucial for developing effective interventions.
• Occupational therapy aims to improve function and engagement in meaningful activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of individuals with COPD.
• To understand participants' perceptions of an occupational therapy intervention.
• To examine the relationship between COPD, occupational behaviors, and therapy outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Semistructured interviews were conducted with three participants in a Hong Kong pulmonary rehabilitation program.
• Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from the interview data.
• Qualitative research methods provided in-depth insights into patient experiences.

Main Results:

• Five themes emerged regarding the COPD experience: uncertainty, external attribution, activity restriction, isolation, anxiety, depression, and passive fortitude.
• Four themes emerged regarding the occupational therapy intervention: increased COPD knowledge, regaining control, reduced mental burden, and enhanced social support.
• Participants reported positive impacts of the intervention on their disease management and engagement in life activities.

Conclusions:

• The study proposes a temporal framework to better understand the COPD patient journey.
• Findings suggest occupational therapy interventions can positively influence COPD management and patient well-being.
• Tailored occupational therapy approaches are recommended for individuals with COPD to enhance their quality of life.