Participants’ experiences of the benefits, barriers and facilitators of attending a community‐based exercise programme for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Community‐based exercise programmes (CEPs) are aimed at sustaining benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to understand participants’ experiences of the benefits, barriers and facilitators of adherence to a CEP. A descriptive qualitative design was applied, employing in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with a convenience sample of 12 participants with COPD attending a CEP in the East of England. Interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were identified: perceived benefits, enablers and barriers, perception of safety and recommendations for programme improvement. Participants experienced physical, social and psychological benefits. Regular attendance is important to avoid deterioration in perceived benefits. CEPs may therefore provide a cost‐effective approach to improving and sustaining initial benefits of PR. Enablers included ease of access, perceived benefits and convenient programme components, being a retiree, social support and seasons. Identified barriers to attendance were poor physical health, family commitments and transport difficulties. The findings clearly suggest that a CEP supervised by an exercise instructor motivates participants to attend and exercise regularly. Increasing adherence to an exercise programme will prevent deterioration in perceived health, in addition to the physical, psychological and social benefits to the individual.