Effective dyspnea management strategies identified by elders with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease☆

Abstract 

The study's purpose was to identify dyspnea management strategies (DMS) perceived most effective by elders with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The mixed-method design also incorporated triangulation to compare results between qualitative and quantitative data. Specific DMS were selected and percentage effectiveness was rated. Four strategy categories emerged as most useful: changing activity, relaxation, inhaled medication use, and breathing pattern alteration. Gender differences in preferred DMS were revealed. All participants (N = 30) preferred to use multiple strategies for effective dyspnea management; therefore, health care providers should consider employing individualized combinations of DMS when assisting elders with end-stage COPD during acute exacerbations of dyspnea.