Abstract
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a slowly progressive disease, which eventually restricts everyday life. Patients need education in order to alleviate the symptoms. This study was an evaluation of the strengthening effect on patient empowerment for in-patients with COPD of a nurse-led, group-based education programme, based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in relation to conventional patient education. The study design was non-randomised with pre- and post-tests for the intervention group (n=35) and the conventional group (n=39). A questionnaire was constructed consisting of 17 questions divided into four areas: knowledge, self-care, motivation to change smoking and dietary habits, and experiences of how COPD influences everyday life. The post-test included five additional questions regarding the education methodology. Group-based education increased knowledge about the diaphragm. Self-care was improved regarding use of the correct breathing technique, recommended breathing technique during exertion and dietary recommendations. Motivation to change smoking and dietary habits remained unchanged. Regarding everyday life, fatigue was reduced. Nurses should develop group-based education programmes together with the patients in order to facilitate their lives. Randomised studies are required to generalise the effects of group-based education on patients with COPD.