Maintenance of Pulmonary Rehabilitation’ effects in patients with COPD
development of a complex intervention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33194/rper.2025.41523Keywords:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Rehabilitation, Education, NursingAbstract
Introduction: Optimizing health condition and improving quality of life in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease represents an area of focus within healthcare. Although pulmonary rehabilitation programs are part of the core of interventions designed for disease’ control and management, their effect is limited and short-lived over time if there is no strategy for maintenance and follow-up.
The present study aims to develop and identify a complex nursing intervention that, when integrated into a pulmonary rehabilitation program, can contribute to improving symptom management and promoting the maintenance of acquired healthy behaviors, as well as extending the benefits of the program in people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Methodology: The study design is based on the model of complex interventions and, the development of the intervention involved a set of strategies and methods necessary for better systematization and organization of concepts, including a systematic literature review, meetings with the rehabilitation nurses, analysis of documentation, and learning sessions for the health care team.
Conclusion: The final result consists of a complex intervention that implemented over the course of a 12-month program, including an initial pulmonary rehabilitation program (3 months), followed by a maintenance component supported by phone calls over 9 months, to reinforce the learned content and help engage individuals.
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