Effect of educational programs on knowledge and self-management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background Patient education has a vital role in caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and a corner stone of self-management in chronic illnesses.Aim of the study This study aimed to evaluate the effect of educational programs on the knowledge and self-management of patients with COPD.Methods This study was carried out on 40 COPD patients at outpatient follow-up Medical Clinics at Tanta University Hospital. The researchers interviewed them using an interview schedule to assess the sociodemographic characteristics, patients’ medical history, physical examination, and knowledge regarding COPD and an observational checklist to assess self-care practice of the patient.Results The results have shown significant differences in relation to decrease in the signs of cough, sputum, and shortness of breath immediately and after 2 months of implementing the self-care management program, but there were no significant differences in relation to other signs of the disease. The majority of patients (95%) had poor knowledge, and all of them had unsatisfied practice regarding self-management skills for COPD before implementation. Immediately postimplementation of the educational program, the study showed highly statistically significant improvement in total score of knowledge, where the majority of them had a fair knowledge and good practice regarding COPD; these scores decreased in post-test 2.Conclusion This study concluded that the education of patients regarding knowledge for COPD and healthcare practice is very effective in improving their self-management skills, but they need reinforcement follow-up. Therefore, this study recommended that the healthcare personnel should provide health education for COPD patients on self-care to their improve knowledge which helps prevent complications and maintain their life.