Applied nursing research : ANR
-
The study's purpose was to identify dyspnea management strategies (DMS) perceived most effective by elders with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The mixed-method design also incorporated triangulation to compare results between qualitative and quantitative data. ⋯ Gender differences in preferred DMS were revealed. All participants (N = 30) preferred to use multiple strategies for effective dyspnea management; therefore, health care providers should consider employing individualized combinations of DMS when assisting elders with end-stage COPD during acute exacerbations of dyspnea.