A FUNCTIONAL NURSING EDUCATION AND COUNSELLING SERVICE FOR COPD PATIENTS TO IMPROVE MEDICATION COMPLIANCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION UNDERTAKEN IN HONG KONG

Abstract

One of the leading causes of long-term sickness in Hong Kong was COPD. In order to manage their COPD, patients required more than simply medicine. To ensure that patients comprehended and adhered to their treatment regimens, coordinated assistance was required. The purpose of this research was to determine whether or not COPD patients’ medication adherence and quality of life could be improved by the provision of counselling and nursing education. In this quantitative study, a cohort of COPD patients visiting Hong Kong outpatient clinics were randomly selected to participate. Therapy treatments targeted at boosting motivation, supporting lifestyle changes, and addressing mental health issues were included of the intervention, which also included planned nursing education sessions on disease knowledge, inhaler methods, and medication management. Patients who received nursing education and counselling were substantially more likely to adhere to their drug regimens, according to the data. Additionally, they saw significant improvements in their quality of life ratings, particularly in the areas of symptom management, daily functioning, and self-esteem. The findings demonstrated the significance of nurse-led interventions in COPD management and supported the inclusion of counselling and education services in standard care models. Adding to the growing body of information on chronic disease management in Hong Kong, this study provided empirical evidence. Additionally, it stated that in order to achieve the best long-term outcomes from COPD treatment, patient-centered nursing approaches are required.