Internet vs Face-to-Face Dyspnea Self-Management for COPD Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Nguyen Huong Q, Donesky-Cuenco DorAnne, Wolpin Seth, Reinke Lynn F, Benditt Joshua O, Paul Steven M, Carrieri-Kohlman Virginia, Eysenbach Gunther
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
The difference in changes in dyspnea with activities of daily living between the Internet-based and face-to-face self-management programs would not exceed the minimal clinically important difference of 2.5 points.
Conclusion
Both dyspnea self-management programs were effective in reducing dyspnea with activities of daily living in the short term, despite technical challenges with the Internet-based program.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants in both programs showed similar clinically meaningful changes in dyspnea with activities of daily living from baseline to 3 months.
- Self-reported endurance exercise time and self-efficacy for managing dyspnea showed positive improvements over time in both groups.
- Participants who completed the study reported favorable satisfaction with the programs.
Takeaway
This study tested two ways to help people with breathing problems manage their symptoms—one using the internet and the other in person. Both methods helped people feel better.
Methodology
Participants with moderate to severe COPD were randomly assigned to either an Internet-based or face-to-face dyspnea self-management program and evaluated at 3 and 6 months.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been biased in self-reporting their dyspnea experiences.
Limitations
The study was stopped early due to technical challenges, and the sample was primarily Caucasian and well-educated, limiting generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Participants were primarily Caucasian, with a mean age of 69.5 years, and 44% were female.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P < .001 for time effects; P = .51 for group by time interaction.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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