In an earlier entry, the costs savings of the self-management for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were described. Different researchers have looked at other aspects of the self-management of the disorder. As is frequently noted, self-efficacy--the confidence patients have that they can perform the skills needed to manage a condition--has been highlighted. Self-efficacy is certainly central to the self-management of COPD. A study by Davis and co-workers recently examined the effect of self-management on COPD, as well as the relationship between domain-specific self-efficacy, walking performance, and symptom severity in patients with the disorder. One hundred and two COPD patients received one of three self-management interventions. Self-efficacy for walking and managing shortness of breath, walking performance, and shortness of breath severity were measured at baseline and after intervention. The results showed that self-efficacy increased after the intervention was presented. Self-efficacy for walking was positively related to walking performance; there was also a positive relation between self-efficacy and reduced symptom severity.

Comments: The study by Davis and colleagues demonstrated that self-efficacy is an important component of self-management interventions. As such, the findings are similar to other self-management programs where self-efficacy is assessed. Many of these studies are the benchmarks against which an effective self-management program should be judged. One might think that the assessment of self-efficacy is included in all self-management programs for chronic illness, but this is not the case. However, if self-management skills are to be maintained, self-efficacy must be emphasized. It is the fuel that drives performance for, at least in the case of chronic illness, may be the remainder of a patient’s life.

A.H. Davis et al. Effects of treatment on two types of self-efficacy in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Journal Pain Symptom Management, 2006;32:60-70.