Hashem Ferhana, Merritt Rowena
University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.
ERJ Open Res. 2018 Feb 9;4(1). doi: 10.1183/23120541.00076-2017. eCollection 2018 Jan.
Self-management strategies are designed to improve lung and respiratory health through structured self-management plans with regular practitioner reviews. Strategies have not, however, focused upon how patient support groups and advocacy networks can help with the management of these conditions; therefore, it is unknown what impact they may have on patient self-management. A qualitative study was designed to help understand what impact the British Lung Foundation's Breathe Easy (BE) groups have on patients managing their lung and respiratory conditions. A semistructured telephone interview schedule was developed to study the network. Topics covered included: perceptions about the BE groups; current referrals systems and integration pathways; benefits of attending the BE groups; and integration of the BE groups into the respiratory pathway. Key themes explored included: shared patient experience and peer support; patient self-management and self-education; attendance of healthcare professionals; and the impact of integrating BE groups into the respiratory pathway. BE networks were shown to support self-care initiatives for people attending the groups, and members expressed a social and educational benefit. BE networks were working with the local National Health Service to become an integral part of the respiratory pathway, yet there was evidence of resistance from the health service in incorporating the networks.
自我管理策略旨在通过有定期从业者评估的结构化自我管理计划来改善肺部和呼吸健康。然而，这些策略尚未关注患者支持小组和宣传网络如何有助于管理这些疾病；因此，它们对患者自我管理可能产生的影响尚不清楚。一项定性研究旨在帮助了解英国肺部基金会的“轻松呼吸”（BE）小组对管理肺部和呼吸疾病的患者有何影响。制定了一份半结构化电话访谈提纲来研究该网络。涵盖的主题包括：对BE小组的看法；当前的转诊系统和整合途径；参加BE小组的益处；以及将BE小组纳入呼吸途径。探讨的关键主题包括：患者的共同经历和同伴支持；患者自我管理和自我教育；医护人员的参与；以及将BE小组纳入呼吸途径的影响。BE网络被证明支持参加小组的人的自我护理举措，成员们表示有社交和教育方面的益处。BE网络正在与当地国民医疗服务体系合作，以成为呼吸途径的一个组成部分，但有证据表明医疗服务机构在纳入这些网络方面存在阻力。
