Participation and drop-out in pulmonary rehabilitation: a qualitative analysis of the patient's perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To examine patients' pretreatment beliefs and goals regarding pulmonary rehabilitation.


METHODS
Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews.


METHODS
Interviews conducted at participants' homes.


METHODS
Twelve patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who had been referred to a rehabilitation clinic.


METHODS
Patients' beliefs about pulmonary rehabilitation, self-set treatment goals and anticipated reasons for drop-out.


RESULTS
Patients' beliefs about pulmonary rehabilitation comprised positive aspects (participation as an opportunity for improvement, a safe and multidisciplinary setting, presence of motivating and supporting patients) and negative aspects of exercising in a rehabilitation centre (e.g. disruption of normal routine, being tired after training, transportation difficulties, limited privacy and confrontation with severely ill patients). Four types of treatment goals were formulated: increase in functional performance, weight regulation, reduction of dyspnoea, and improvement of psychosocial well being. Four clusters of anticipated reasons for drop-out were identified: the intensity of the programme, barriers to attending (e.g. transportation problems, sudden illness and other duties/responsibilities), lack of improvement and social factors. Four different attitudes towards pulmonary rehabilitation could be distinguished: optimistic, 'wait and see', sceptic and pessimistic. Follow-up data revealed that whereas a pessimistic attitude (high disability, low self-confidence, many concerns) was related to decline, the 'sceptic' patients had dropped out during the course.


CONCLUSIONS
Uptake and drop-out may be related to patients' perceived disabilities, expected benefits and concerns with regard to rehabilitation, practical barriers and confidence in their own capabilities.
Fischer
M J
MJ
Medical Psychology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands. mfischer@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Scharloo
M
M
Abbink
J J
JJ
Thijs-Van
A
A
Rudolphus
A
A
Snoei
L
L
Weinman
J A
JA
Kaptein
A A
AA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D010358:Patient Participation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*