“care-COPD”: A nursing and physiotherapy initiative to develop a mobile app for COPD self-management

Abstract

Objective: The study aims to conduct a formative evaluation a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Mobile App on its usability, effectiveness and adherence from COPD patients and health care professionals (HCPs).

Background: COPD is a chronic progressive respiratory disorder. The provision for timely and appropriate care coordination of COPD management is often a big challenge to health care providers. Innovative mobile health applications have the potential to integrate COPD care to sustain self-management of patients over time. This study is the first phase of a larger interdisciplinary collaborative initiative between nursing and physiotherapy.

Methods: A purposive sample of 10 COPD patients and 20 HCPs will be included to evaluate the acceptability of the “care-COPD” App. Focus group interviews will be conducted to both COPD patients and HCPs after the trial ends. Data will be analysed thematically to identify themes and patterns.

Results: After testing the “care-COPD” for 4 weeks, focus groups are done to explore technical difficulties, perceived effectiveness of the App, and attitude towards the use of mobile application to aid COPD self-management. The views from COPD patients and HCPs are compared and contrasted.

Conclusion: This study can provide important insights on the application of digital interventions in COPD self-management to further improve the availability and accessibility of pulmonary rehabilitation initiatives for patients.