Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: experiences in northern regional Australia

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to explore in depth the experience of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from the perspective of people with the condition in northern regional Australia. Methods: Qualitative research design was employed. Data was obtained from eight participants from a health service for chronic illness using semi-structured interviews to capture participants' diverse experiences. The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed using a computer software programme. Data was coded and analyzed thematically. Results: Participant narratives illustrated the severe functional impairments and subsequent psychosocial consequences of this disease. In relation to the participants' experience of COPD, six major themes were identified. These were: emotional wellbeing, physical experience, knowledge and understanding, social relationships, external factors, and experience of intervention in relation to their COPD. Conclusions: This study provides a depth of insight into the day to day experience of people with COPD in a northern Australian location. Findings highlight the importance of the effect that climate, anxiety, and patient education have on participation in daily life and indicate a need for further research into these factors.

Benefits of the ‘village’: a qualitative exploration of the patient experience of COPD in rural Australia

“…Similarly, while much of rural health discourse focuses on deficits in care and experience,46 and that respiratory care within the explored region is based on a rural generalist model, participants in this study did not speak of ‘missing out’ on services, information or access to specialists. Sossai et al described several negative factors influencing life with COPD (anxiety, depression, breathing and sleeping difficulties, reduction in daily/social activities and independence), but the impact of the rural context was generally limited to the associated climate 33. Goodridge’s commentary on this paper suggested that rural patients with COPD often experienced difficulty accessing self-management support and education 33.…”

“…These influences are associated with reduced coping ability, decreased help seeking,40 the need to continually repeat medical history and are barriers to develop trusting relationships with health professionals 41. In comparison with other qualitative Australian studies into the patient’s experience of COPD, beneficial impacts were reported when patients felt supported by community members and health professionals,33 42 43 connected to people and nature,42 felt a strong sense of community43 and felt listened to by health professionals 44…”

“…However, the impact of these factors may be amplified in rural communities where there may be constrained choice and access to community support providers. Supportive social networks and a sense of ‘place’ are linked to decreased COPD readmission and are recognised as being strong and highly valued in rural areas 33…”

“…Sossai et al described several negative factors influencing life with COPD (anxiety, depression, breathing and sleeping difficulties, reduction in daily/social activities and independence), but the impact of the rural context was generally limited to the associated climate 33. Goodridge’s commentary on this paper suggested that rural patients with COPD often experienced difficulty accessing self-management support and education 33. The participants in our study may be unaware of other models of care delivered through metropolitan centres, or may believe they were receiving the care that met their needs, or the desire to receive services locally or from familiar people was more important that accessing a different model of care elsewhere.…”

COPD-Related Anxiety: A Systematic Review of Patient Perspectives

“…Patients further elaborated barriers such as fear of being too far away from home, worry about collapsing due to breathlessness, and anxiety related to unfamiliar places. 23 , 24 , 34 , 48 , 49 , 52 , 54 , 57 Physical activity revealed the illness in front of others, which further contributed to making physical activity a source of distress. 23 Fear of experiencing a panic attack was described as disabling, and patients were anxious of being too breathless, which ultimately limited their activities.…”