Effect of caregiver education on pulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea in lung cancer patients

Abstract

[Purpose] This study evaluated the effects of caregiver education on pulmonary rehabilitation of patients who have undergone lung resection for cancer. [Subjects] Patients were divided into experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 19) groups. [Methods] The caregivers of the experimental group patients received education on pulmonary rehabilitation, while the control group patients received general management advice for 4 weeks. [Results] Pulmonary muscle strength (maximum inspiratory pressure and maximum expiratory pressure) was increased significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group. Modified Borg scale scores were decreased significantly in the experimental vs. control group. [Conclusion] Providing caregivers with education pertaining to pulmonary rehabilitation was associated with improved pulmonary function in lung cancer patients following lung resection.