Development of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Patient Decision Aid for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Mixed Methods Study

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation is an important part of the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but the participation rate of pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients is low. Patient decision aids can facilitate patient participation in pulmonary rehabilitation decisions by providing information and incorporating patient values. The aim of this study was to develop a pulmonary rehabilitation decision aid for patients with COPD. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a WeChat-based pulmonary rehabilitation patient decision aid to help older patients with COPD participate in pulmonary rehabilitation decision-making. METHODS: We developed the decision aid in 3 stages: (1) a literature review was performed to determine the evidence for pulmonary rehabilitation options and outcomes for patients with COPD. (2) a semi-structured interview study was conducted to develop and iterate patient decision aids. (3) usability, acceptability and language expression testing in patients and healthcare professionals. RESULTS: A total of 16 randomized controlled studies were included in the literature review. Thirty-six participants received semi-structured interviews. The results of interview include four themes: key points of age-friendly design, content of the tool, presentation requirements of contents and study evidence of the tool and other views and suggestions. The resultant goals-of-care decision aid achieved good usability and acceptability. The frequency of language expression increased in both patients and healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: This study uses a systematic development process to develop the first pulmonary rehabilitation decision aid for patients with COPD. It has good usability, acceptability and increased communication between patients and healthcare professionals in the pulmonary rehabilitation decision-making process. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR): ChiCTR1900028563; http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/default.aspx.