Improving the well-being in caregivers of patients with COPD using a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program

Abstract

<b>Objectives.</b> To evaluate the effects of a home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program on burden, anxiety and depressive symptoms and general fatigue in informal caregivers of patients with COPD. <b>Methods.</b> In this retrospective study, patients with COPD were referred to an 8-week home-based PR program consisting of a weekly supervised 90-minute session. Caregivers, according to the patient’s preference and its availability, were invited to participate in PR by receiving educational supports, behavioral therapies and self-management strategies using the same methods as for patients. Burden, anxiety and depressive symptoms and general fatigue of caregivers were assessed at baseline and at the end of PR. <b>Results.</b> 241 patients with COPD and 138 caregivers were included. The majority of the caregivers were women (70%), spouses (90%) and with at least three comorbidities (57%). A large proportion of caregivers showed baseline high burden, anxiety symptoms, and abnormal fatigue (40%, 40%, 45%, respectively). Among the caregivers, 41 attended at least 4 home-based visits with their loved one. Burden, anxiety and depressive symptoms and general fatigue of caregivers were all improved after PR (p&lt;0.05). Patients with COPD also benefited from PR. A larger improvement in the anxiety symptoms and general fatigue was noticed in patients reporting a caregiver compared to those without one (p&lt;0.05). <b>Conclusion.</b> This real-life study showed that integrating the caregivers of patients with COPD into a home-based PR program was effective for improving their physical and psychological well-being.&nbsp;Caregiver’s care and role should be considered when designing future PR program.