Health Priorities in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Multimorbidity: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the health priorities of patients with multimorbidity in COPD and the factors as to why their condition is prioritized. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from February to April 2022 at a hospital in China. A specially selected sample of 18 patients completed a general information sheet and face-to-face interviews. The Colaizzi method was used to analyze the data. Results: Participants reported their experience which fell into three themes: disease burden, health perception and views of others. In addition, participants explained that health knowledge from short videos on mobile apps influenced them, which in turn influenced their ranking. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that health priorities of patients with multimorbidity in COPD manifest differently. Specifically, our findings suggested that patients’ health priorities are most influenced by disease burden, health perception, and the opinions of those around them. Nursing staff should fully understand each patients’own perspectives and provide them with personalized support.