The Lived Experiences of People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored the lived experiences of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following hospitalization for acute exacerbation or pneumonia.

Design and method: A phenomenological approach was adopted to collect data through semistructured interviews. Fourteen participants were recruited from a medical center in northern Taiwan. Data were collected from January 2013 to January 2014. Giorgi's phenomenological methodology was adopted to analyze the interview content.

Findings: Three phenomenological themes emerged: trapped in an invisible cage, torments in the winter, and striving for wellness.

Conclusions: This study sought to elucidate the lived experiences of people with COPD, who perceived themselves as feeling an overwhelming sense of confinement. The interviewees displayed positive attitudes, indicating that people with COPD are willing to cope with their disease. Health practitioners should focus on educating people with COPD about their needs, encouraging them to be more positive, and assisting them in engaging in self-management.

Clinical relevance: People with COPD can cope with the disease and seek alternative methods to improve their health. These positive attitudes could be used to encourage self-management in the future.

Keywords: Chronic disease; long-term care; phenomenology; qualitative research; respiratory.