Is Internet-based support for dyspnea self-management in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease possible? Results of a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
As of 2003, approximately 67% of US adults have Internet access. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an Internet-based dyspnea self-management program (iDSMP) for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A related aim was to compare the differential effects of the iDSMP on 2 different groups: (1) to test a "booster" effect and (2) to evaluate the program as a primary intervention.


METHODS
Two groups (n = 16) were evaluated at baseline and at 3 months after completing the iDSMP, which included education, exercise, self-monitoring, and support. Dyspnea, self-efficacy, perception of available support, and exercise behavior were measured. Paired, independent t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used.


RESULTS
Most subjects (87%) reported that the program increased their access to information and resources for managing dyspnea. Dyspnea with activities of daily living and self-efficacy for managing the symptom showed significant improvements (both P < .01), whereas more modest changes were noted in perceived support and exercise behavior in the overall sample. There were no differences between the 2 groups on these outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that additional investigations of Internet-based interventions to promote self-management in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are warranted.
Nguyen
Huong Q
HQ
Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-7266, USA.
Carrieri-Kohlman
Virginia
V
Rankin
Sally H
SH
Slaughter
Robert
R
Stulbarg
Michael S
MS
D022126:Access to Information; D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing*; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing*; D012648:Self Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support