Evaluating the Feasibility, Acceptability and Pre Testing the Impact of a Self-management and Tele Monitoring Program for COPD Patients in Lebanon

Evaluating the Feasibility, Acceptability and Pre Testing the Impact of a Self-management and Tele Monitoring Program for COPD Patients in Lebanon: Protocol for a Feasibility Study

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a significant impact on quality of life and is costly to the health care system. It has been demonstrated that a self-management program improves quality of life, but programs are not universally available and telehealth interventions can provide home-based support, but have mixed results.

The aims of this study are to (1) assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 6 weeks' educational program related to self-management with remote monitoring for Lebanese COPD patients; (2) pre-test its impact on quality of life, emergency visits, and rate of rehospitalization, and (3) to make recommendations for a future randomized trial.

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and pre-test the impact of a nursing consultation and tele-monitoring in Lebanon. It will be conducted at the Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) hospital, one of the largest university hospitals in Beirut, and will use quantitative and qualitative methods in pre- and post-intervention to collect data over a period of 3 months. Data will be collected by two researchers. A consent form will be signed by each participant prior to the intervention. Patients will be informed about the purpose of the study, the course of the intervention, and the freedom to withdraw from the study at any time. Their consent for the video recording will also be taken.

This study is the first to evaluate the application of telehealth to optimize COPD management in Lebanon. The results of this study will provide evidence regarding the efficacy and feasibility of this approach for Lebanese patients with moderate to severe COPD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult,18 years of age or older
• Male or female
• Outpatient
• With moderate (GOLD 2) or severe (Gold 3) COPD.
• Cognitively capable, with an adequate health status to participate in the study according to the clinical consensus between nurses and physicians.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients diagnosed with lung cancer
• Patients who have cognitive problems related to memory loss or speech disorders that would not allow a constructive exchange