Patients’ experience of identifying and managing exacerbations in COPD: a qualitative study

Running head: GUIDED REVIEW OF NOMINATED LITERATURE
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Guided Review of Nominated Literature (Qualitative)
Name:
Institutional Affiliation:

GUIDED REVIEW OF NOMINATED LITERATURE
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Guided Review of Nominated Literature (Qualitative)
Williams, V., Hardinge, M., Ryan, S., & Farmer, A. (2014). Patients’ experience of identifying
and managing exacerbations in COPD: a qualitative study. npj Primary Care Respiratory
Medicine, 24, 14062; doi:10.1038/npjpcrm.2014.62
Q 1) Background of the Study (10 Marks)
a. What is the health issue that provides the focus of this study?
The central focus of the study was Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). COPD is a
chronic disease resulting from lung inflammation that causes blockage of airflow in the alveoli
and bronchi as well as related breathing problems. The associated respiratory related diseases
include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. The disease is caused mainly by tobacco
smoking which causes the development and progression of the disease. In addition, COPD is
related to indoor and outdoor air pollutants in homes and workplaces, respiratory diseases
especially those that lead to inflammation of the lungs, and genetic factors especially deficiency
of alpha-1 antitrypsin.
Generally, what have been the results of previous studies of this issue?
Earlier research on COPD demonstrates that patients lack a precise definition of what exactly
exacerbations are or even how they are recognised by the COPD patients (Burge & Wedzicha,
2013). On the contrary, the studies show that the patients are capable of identifying the imminent
exacerbations (Kessler et al, 2016). Specifically, exacerbations are identified by the patients
based on subjective experiences (Adams et al, 2016). One of the notable shortcomings of the
previous studies is that they have focused on finding out how the COPD patients experience
exacerbations rather than their ability to identify exacerbations (Harrison et al, 2013).

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Additionally, other studies have revealed reluctance by the patients to seek health care assistance
instead opt for treating exacerbations at home (Wang, Haugen, Steihaug, & Werner, 2102).
b. What is the significance of this study?
This study is significant in that it was set out to explore how the COPD patients identify
exacerbations and the management mechanisms employed at home. Previous studies have shown
that COPD patients prefer treating exacerbations at home to consulting healthcare professionals;
it is evident that promoting self-management among the patients would effectively reduce the
number of hospital admissions. On the same note, self- management would improve the
treatment outcomes of COPD. However, the fundamental requirement for effective treatment of
exacerbations at home is the ability of the patients to successfully identify exacerbations
following the onset of symptoms.
Q2) Overview of Research Design (10 marks)
a. What was the aim of the research?
The aim of this research was to explore the current patient’s understanding and experience of
managing and identifying COPD exacerbations at home.
b. What research design was used?
This study was a qualitative research since it explored the patients understanding and experience
of COPD rather than seeking definitive conclusions. The research design that was used for this
study was grounded theory. Grounded theory involves collection and analysis of data
concurrently leading to development of theory has is rooted in the data collected (Gelling, 2015).
c. Describe the main characteristics of the research design identified
The principal characteristics of Grounded theory include constant comparison, theoretical
sampling, and continuous collection of data until the research reaches saturation (Gelling, 2015).