Use of audiovisual media for education and self-management of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease – COPD

Introduction Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is considered a disease with high morbidity and mortality, even though it is a preventable and treatable disease. Objective To assess the effectiveness of an audiovisual educational material about the knowledge and self-management in COPD. Methods Quasi-experimental design and convenience sample was composed of COPD patients of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) (n = 42), in advanced stage of the disease, adults of both genders, and with low education. All subjects answered a specific questionnaire before and post-education audiovisual session, to assess their acquired knowledge about COPD. Results Positive results were obtained in the topics: COPD and its consequences, first symptom identified when the disease is aggravated and physical exercise practice. Regarding the second and third symptoms, it was observed that the education session did not improve this learning, as well as the decision facing the worsening of COPD. Conclusion COPD patients showed reasonable knowledge about the disease, its implications and symptomatology. Important aspects should be emphasized, such as identification of exacerbations of COPD and decision facing this exacerbation.