Patients with COPD: Assessment of mental and social support status and the impact of psychosocial interventions

Research questions: How does the psychosocial status (anxiety, depression, and social support) of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) impact their health outcomes? What is the effectiveness of psychosocial information-based interventions in improving their well-being? Background: COPD is a heterogeneous disease that affects patients both physically and mentally. Previous studies have indicated that higher levels of anxiety and depression, especially the lack of social support (family, social networks), and financial difficulties are positively associated with frequent exacerbations, hospital readmissions, non-adherence to treatment, and a worse quality of life for patients with COPD. Therefore, providing psychosocial support to patients with COPD could help improve their overall health status and quality of life. Methodology: A prospective study with a mixed methodology design involving questionnaires, interviews, and psychosocial interventions will be conducted. The study will include patients with COPD that receive care at Respiratory Departments of Hospitals, Primary Health Care Units, and Regional Clinics in the prefecture of Heraklion, Crete. Interventions will include an information/counseling component regarding social and financial support services and a psychological counseling component, for a period of 6 months. Patients will also receive relevant information leaflets. The patients’ health status/quality of life, treatment adherence, mental status, and socioeconomic status will be assessed using validated tools (questionnaires) before and after the intervention. Qualitative data will also be collected with interviews so to evaluate the effectiveness of the psychosocial interventions. Questions to discuss: 1. What is the impact of social support on various outcomes? 2. Which are the barriers for implementing psychosocial interventions in patients with COPD? 3. How can we change clinical practice so to promote social support by clinicians and policy makers? 4. How can we ensure the long-lasting effects of such interventions? 5. Is it possible to design a universally applicable social support intervention and how?