Psychosocial Assessment and Intervention in Patients Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Abstract

Psychosocial factors significantly affect the pulmonary rehabilitation process in patients dealing with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Their outcomes can be optimized by the evaluation of the psychological, cognitive, or social barriers to the rehabilitation process, followed by appropriate interventions and referral to the suitable practitioners. Publicly available screening tests for depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, such as the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 item test (GAD-7), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), respectively, are all valid reliable tools for assessing and measuring progress. Depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline all affect patients' adherence to rehabilitation programs, whereas smoking is counterproductive to the rehabilitation process. Smoking, while not being a specific psychological disorder, is a lifestyle habit requiring patients' willingness to change, to further optimize outcomes and decrease the risk of disease exacerbation. Effective motivational conversations and smoking cessation therapies are necessary for improving patients' willingness to change their detrimental behavior. Addressing these psychosocial barriers in the setting of pulmonary rehabilitation via access to psychologists, family counselors, as well as help from responsible caregivers can improve the patients' overall medical compliance, physical function, and quality of life. (English) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]