Aim To evaluate the benefits of self-management interventions on the quality of
life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is one of the most
widespread chronic conditions worldwide, and it is predicted to increase over the
next decade. Although previous review studies have demonstrated the benefits of
self-management interventions on health-care utilisation, their benefits on quality
of life are still unclear.
Method In this systematic review, we examined four randomised controlled trials
undertaken between 2000 and 2011 to evaluate the benefits of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease self-management interventions on patient quality
of life.
Results The main theme that emerged was that self-management interventions
improved patient well-being, with three minor themes: reducing the burden on
patients, improved patient activity and improved total patient health.
Conclusion Self-management interventions tend to improve the quality of life of
patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Further randomised
controlled trials are recommended to evaluate self-management interventions in
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to confirm these benefits.
Implications for nursing management Nursing management in health services is
involved in caring for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is
responsible for liaising with other members of the health-care team. We
recommend that nursing management be engaged in health-care services to
develop and implement self-management interventions for chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease patients to improve their quality of life.