Internet-Based and Established Dyspnea Self-Management Programs in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients

Despite optimal medical treatment, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) continue to experience dyspnea or shortness of breath. This study will evaluate two different ways to provide education and support to help patients manage their shortness of breath. One program will be conducted in a face-to-face setting and a second through the Internet. The main difference between the two programs is the way they are administered. The education, exercise, and monitoring components are the same. The overall goal of this study is to find out whether the two programs are comparable in their effect on shortness of breath (dyspnea) with activities of daily living, exercise adherence and performance, and pulmonary exacerbations (frequency and duration) at 3 and 6 months. Perception of support, self-efficacy for exercise and managing dyspnea, and health resource utilization will also be measured at 3 and 6 months. This study is a randomized, longitudinal, repeated measures design with measurement times at 0, 3, and 6 months.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of COPD, clinically stable for 1 month;
• Spirometry results showing at least mild disease (FEV1/FVC < 70% and FEV1 < 80% predicted after bronchodilator);
• ADL limited by dyspnea;
• Ability to speak English and sign consent form;
• Actively use computer and the Internet;
• Maintain O2 saturation > 85% on < 6 L/min of nasal oxygen during the six minute walk;
• Understands and is able to rate shortness of breath during exercise

Exclusion criteria

• Active symptomatic illness other than COPD;
• Formal pulmonary rehabilitation training in the past 6 months