M Stellesfson et al. Using Exploratory Focus Groups to Inform the Development of Targeted COPD Self-Management Education DVDs for Rural Patients. International Journal of Telemedicine & Applications, 2010;450418.

This exploratory study assessed the self-management learning needs, experiences, and perspectives of COPD patients treated at a Certified Federal Rural Health Clinic to permit the development of a COPD self-management DVD. A homogeneous sample of COPD patients participated in focus group interviews. Data from these interviews were referenced to edit a library of Revision COPD self-management DVDs into a single condensed DVD containing only the most pertinent self-management topics. Patients reported a lack of knowledge and skill development related to purse lipped breathing, controlled coughing, and stress management; medication management skills were found to be adequate.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER: The authors concluded that engaging rural communities in formal qualitative inquiries to describe COPD specific needs for self-management may lead to future use of educational technologies aimed at improving quality of life for these rural, hard to reach populations.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE CONSUMER: The use of DVD’s would likely be of use to many patients with other chronic conditions. This would be particularly the case, as found in the study, where patients live in rural and isolated areas.