AN EFFECTIVE NURSING EDUCATION AND COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR PATIENTS WITH COPD TO ENHANCE MEDICATION ADHERENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY CONDUCTED IN HONG KONG.

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was still one of the main causes of long-term illness in Hong Kong. Patients with COPD needed more than just medication to keep their condition under control. Patients needed coordinated help to make sure they understood and followed their treatment plans. This study examined the efficacy of nursing education and counselling services in enhancing medication adherence and the quality of life for patients with COPD. Participants were selected through simple random sampling from a cohort of COPD patients attending outpatient clinics in Hong Kong, as part of a quantitative study design. The intervention comprised organised nursing education sessions focused on medication management, inhaler techniques, and disease awareness, alongside counselling services aimed at enhancing motivation, facilitating lifestyle modifications, and addressing mental health concerns. The results showed that patients who got counselling and nursing education were much more likely to take their medications as directed. Their quality-of-life scores also went up a lot, especially in the areas of managing symptoms, doing daily tasks, and self-esteem. The results showed that counselling and education services should be part of standard care models and confirmed how important nurse-led interventions are for managing COPD. This study contributed empirical evidence to the expanding corpus of knowledge concerning chronic disease management in Hong Kong. It also said that patient-centered nursing practices were needed to get the best long-term results from COPD treatment.