Need of support in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe peoples’ experiences and expectations of support when living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHOD: We conducted and analysed face‐to‐face or telephone interviews with 17 individuals (aged 44–77 years) diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The interviewer asked open‐ended questions aimed at encouraging further narration, and we analysed the participants’ narratives using a phenomenological hermeneutical approach. This report adheres to the COREQ guidelines. RESULTS: The overall theme suggests that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease describe support as shared knowledge and experiences, based on the following subthemes; similar experiences, the need of genuine professional knowledge, self‐reliance versus self‐blame, and the Internet – feeling safe but uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease find their strength through shared knowledge and dialogical support with others who have similar experiences and with professionals. A person‐centred eHealth approach may be suitable for this group as it offers both collaboration and support. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: There is a demand for access to genuine professional knowledge as additional support to patients’ own capabilities and needs. Patient associations were assessed as reliable sources of information and to some extent also support, but the importance of access to professional sources was also stressed.