• Huong Q Nguyen, Virginia Carrieri-Kohlman, Sally H Rankin, Robert Slaughter, and Michael S Stulbarg.
• Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle 98195-7266, USA.
• Heart Lung. 2005 Jan 1;34(1):51-62.

BackgroundAs of 2003, approximately 67% of US adults have Internet access. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an Internet-based dyspnea self-management program (iDSMP) for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A related aim was to compare the differential effects of the iDSMP on 2 different groups: (1) to test a "booster" effect and (2) to evaluate the program as a primary intervention.MethodsTwo groups (n = 16) were evaluated at baseline and at 3 months after completing the iDSMP, which included education, exercise, self-monitoring, and support. Dyspnea, self-efficacy, perception of available support, and exercise behavior were measured. Paired, independent t tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used.ResultsMost subjects (87%) reported that the program increased their access to information and resources for managing dyspnea. Dyspnea with activities of daily living and self-efficacy for managing the symptom showed significant improvements (both P < .01), whereas more modest changes were noted in perceived support and exercise behavior in the overall sample. There were no differences between the 2 groups on these outcomes.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that additional investigations of Internet-based interventions to promote self-management in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are warranted.

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