• Marieke Zwakman, WeldamSaskia W MSWMDepartment of Respiratory Diseases, Division Heart & Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands., VervoortSigrid C J MSCJMCancer Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands., LammersJan-Willem JJJDepartment of Respiratory Diseases, Division Heart & Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands., and Marieke J Schuurmans.
• Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584, CX, Utrecht, the Netherlands. M.Zwakman@umcutrecht.nl.
• Bmc Fam Pract. 2019 Jun 10; 20 (1): 7878.

BackgroundThe nurse-led chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-Guidance Research on Illness Perception (COPD-GRIP) intervention was developed to incorporate illness perceptions into COPD care with the intention to improve the health-related quality of life of COPD patients. This individualized intervention focuses on identifying, discussing and evaluating illness perceptions and consists of three consultations with a practice nurse. The aim of this study is to explore patients' experiences regarding the COPD-GRIP intervention.MethodsA qualitative interview study nested in a cluster randomized trial in primary care. One-time semi-structured individual interviews with COPD patients who were guided with the COPD-GRIP intervention were conducted. During data collection, the constant comparative approach was used. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, anonymized and uploaded to MAXQDA. To identify themes, the transcripts were independently coded by two researchers.ResultsSixteen patients were interviewed. All patients were positive and experienced an additional value of the COPD-GRIP intervention in different areas. Three main themes were identified and show that taking part in this intervention made the patients feel 'listened to and acknowledged', improved their awareness of the disease and its management and helped them to make lifestyle changes. Some patients suggested that the individualized care plan could be improved and to start the intervention immediately after being informed of the COPD diagnosis. All patients recommended this intervention.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that patients acknowledge that the COPD-GRIP intervention is a useful and promising tool for providing individualized COPD care.

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