The Impact of Psychosocial Interventions in Patients with COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the most common exacerbating, non-communicable diseases. It is the third leading cause of death worldwide, causing 3.23 million deaths in 2019. Given the above, there is an international need to develop appropriate strategies for its management. COPD affects both the physical and psychosocial well-being of patients. Studies have shown that anxiety, depression, lack of social support and poor financial status are associated with more frequent exacerbations, hospital readmissions, nonadherence to treatment and worse quality of life for patients. Therefore, socioeconomic and psychological factors play a critical role in COPD. The psychosocial support of patients with COPD it is likely to be an important method for improving their health status and therefore their quality of life. The aim of this PhD thesis is to assess the psychosocial status and the impact of psychosocial information-interventions in patients with COPD. For this purpose, a prospective study of mixed methodology design (questionnaires, interviews) as well as psychosocial interventions will be conducted in patients with COPD who are attended by Pulmonary Departments of Hospitals (Outpatient Clinics, Clinics), by Local Health Units (TOMY), Regional Clinics in the prefecture of Heraklion. Interventions will include counseling for 6 months/information about services, patient benefits, support, and patients will receive a relevant form. For the implementation of the study, they will use the investigative tools (questionnaires) for the patient's health status/quality of life (SF-12-CCQ), treatment adherence (TAI), mental status (PHQ-4 includes PHQ-2 for depression and GAD-2 for anxiety) and socioeconomic status (MSPSS, FAS). Then a qualitative part will take place with an interview. At the end of 6 months the participants will be asked to answer again the same questionnaires and a partially modified interview, so that the effectiveness of the psychosocial interventions they received. Their responses will be recorded and the results will be analyzed. This study is expected to contribute to a better management of patients with COPD.