“You don't want to know just about my lungs, you…want to know more about me”. Patients and their caregivers' evaluation of a nurse-led COPD supportive care service

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate a nurse-led model of supportive care in a COPD outpatient service from patient and caregiver perspectives. Design: Case study methodology. Methods: Data were collected from semi-structured interviews with patients (n = 12) and caregivers (n = 7) conducted between April 2020 and September 2022. A purposive sampling strategy was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis with an inductive approach. COREQ guidelines informed reporting of this study. Results: Eight categories were identified from the data evaluating of the model of care relating to the most helpful aspects of COPD supportive care and suggested improvements to the model of care. The categories were: guidance with managing symptoms; participating in advance care planning; home visiting; expert advice; continuity and trust; caring; caregiver support and improvements to the model of care. Conclusion: In a nurse-led model of COPD supportive care, what patients and caregivers valued most was expert advice and guidance with symptom management, flexible home visiting, participation in advance care planning, caring and continuity within an ongoing trusted therapeutic relationship. Understanding what patients and caregivers value most is essential in designing and delivering models of care that meet the needs of patients living with chronic, life-limiting illness. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: Nurses can lead effective models of supportive care that offer valuable support to patients living with COPD and their caregivers.