Upplevd livskvalitet hos KOL-patienter som vårdas i hemmet

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious and common disease that is one of the most common causes of hospitalization. The most common cause of the disease is tobacco smoking and exposure to chemical substances. But, there is also a genetic factor behind i.e lack of protein (alpha 1 antitrypsin) deficiency and old age. To prevent the disease from worsening, it is important to stop smoking and persons who have been diagnosed with COPD should consider exercising, physical activity and take their prescribed medications to stop the progression of the disease. Objective: To describe the quality of life in COPD patients cared for at home. Furthermore, the aim is to describe the included articles data collection method. Method: Descriptive literature with 15 scientific articles from the database PubMed has been used. Articles results and methodology were analysed and summarized in four categories. These categories were: Physical and Mental health. Needs of Support & Fears and Concerns, as well as the included articles Data Collection Method. Results: Self-care program for COPD patients has been shown to have positive effects on their physical and mental health and ultimately their quality of life. The patients who received pulmonary rehabilitation program reported that they experienced a high quality of life that was linked to increased physical health. Support from family members and from health care was considered important. The patients who were near death associated with the disease often experienced anxiety and fear of dying, which meant that their quality of life was low. Patients receiving oxygen therapy in the home experienced an improvement in breathing which raised their quality of life. Conclusion: Patient education proved to have good effect on COPD patients' self-care. Patients who have undergone training in pulmonary rehabilitation appeared to experience a high quality of life. COPD patients experiencing isolation when the disease leads to a sedentary life and a sense of exclusion from social life. The studies showed that it is important to support and provide information to COPD patients for them to cope with their illness.