Original Article(s)
Vol. 13 (2025)
The experience and perspectives of caregivers caring for their family members with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during the six months following hospital discharge: study protocol and preliminary results
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
Received: 1 October 2024
Accepted: 11 March 2025
Accepted: 11 March 2025
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Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a global health issue. This study explores the experiences and perspectives of informal caregivers caring for family members with COPD in the six months following hospital discharge. Materials and Methods: a prospective qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with carers of patients with COPD. The interviews, analysed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method, explored the participants' lived experiences. A minimum of 20 carers were enrolled, with data saturation as the criterion for sample size. Results: preliminary results highlighted three main themes, the emotional and psychological impact on caregivers, changes in daily routines, and difficulties in balancing personal and professional life. A strong need for support from caregivers and improved relationships with health professionals also emerged. Conclusions: the study highlights the importance of more resources and training for caregivers to improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Good interaction between carers and patients can reduce rehospitalisation and improve care at home.
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Citations
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How to Cite
The experience and perspectives of caregivers caring for their family members with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during the six months following hospital discharge: study protocol and preliminary results. (2025). Working Paper of Public Health, 13. https://doi.org/10.4081/wpph.2025.10154
Copyright (c) 2025 Tatiana Bolgeo, Roberta Di Matteo, Francesca Gambalunga, Elisa Ferraro, Carlo Cerruti, Federico Ruta, Menada Gardalini, Antonio Maconi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
