Abstract
Aim. To unpack and interpret descriptions of experiences of social relationships during pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Method. Inspired by interpretive phenomenology, individual qualitative interviews were conducted twice with 18 persons from COPD rehabilitation units in two general hospitals. Qualitative content analysis was performed.Results. Analysis of the interviews revealed the overarching theme of belonging. The participants emphasised social integration in rehabilitation groups as well as support from peers and health-care personnel as important dimensions of social relationships with regard to PR. Active participation in and engagement with the groups provided opportunities for patients to share their knowledge, encouraged mutual trust, and support and increased self-confidence, and motivation for self-care and further social participation. Integration in the groups and perceived support during PR made coping and adaptation easier and had a positive effect on quality of life.Conclusions. Patients' perspectives on PR were strongly influenced by certain facets of social relationships, such as social integration and social support. Patients', peers' and health-care professionals' strategies to promote social support and social integration should be further explored in the future, both in different contexts and for longer periods of time.
Highlights
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) constitutes a major health problem and a leading cause of chronic morbidity worldwide
The participants considered that the pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programme encouraged their sense of belonging because it provided fellowship and opportunities to share in the groups, as well as support from both peers and health-care professionals in an informal and cheerful atmosphere
They held the view that their participation in and the support provided by social relationships in the PR group made coping and adaptation easier and had a positive effect on their quality of life
Summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) constitutes a major health problem and a leading cause of chronic morbidity worldwide. The natural course of the disease involves a progressive decline in lung function and exercise capacity, with a simultaneous increase in breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and sputum production [1]. In addition to these somatic problems, persons living with COPD describe feeling socially isolated and report suffering from negative emotions. Their personal integrity and self-esteem are threatened due to dependence on others and self-blame for the disability inflicted by their condition [2,3,4,5]. Patients with the disease are confronted with extensive demands on coping resources during their illness
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