Our research team presented at the Canadian Lung Association in Vancouver. The poster provided the photos and narratives that people shared about their experiences of living with COPD,
Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a fatal chronic illness characterized by decreased breathing function and acute events (exacerbations) that can contribute to increased pain, fear, anxiety and depression. When people with COPD have social supports in place, exacerbations are less severe and hospitalization rates are reduced, thereby, overall quality of life is improved. The number of COPD individuals living alone is increasing, and thus exacerbations are more likely to be an unsupported, solitary experience. Further, people with COPD are at risk of becoming more socially isolated as their illness progresses, compounding the incidence of depression and anxiety. Digital technologies (DTs), such as social media and SkypeÔ, have been proposed as a strategy for chronic disease management and social connectedness. Yet, there is dearth of research examining DTs specific for people living with COPD.
Within the context of a large qualitative, narrative study, the poster presentation will provide an examination of social connectedness/isolation experienced by people living with COPD. This Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) funded, longitudinal study involved two in-depth, in-person interviews and one follow-up phone interview over a period of 18 months. Purposeful recruitment was used to connect with 16 people living with COPD and 7 family members. Informed by Reissman’s (2007) narrative inquiry methods, analysis involved team-based discussions and repeated, close reading of the transcribed interviews. Narrative analysis revealed the isolating experience of living with COPD was compounded by increased frailty, oxygen therapy and fear of influenza. Shared narratives included the challenge of sustaining friendships, while other participants referenced DTs significance in remaining socially connected.
Building upon the findings, possible considerations for DTs to address the multiple layers of social isolation for people living with COPD will be proposed. This will include a review as to how DTs can support social connectedness and illness experience through information/education, emotional support, peer support, engagement/participation, narration, and personal contact.
Reference: Antonio, M.G, and Sheilds, L. (2018). Digital Technologies’ Potential in Addressing the Social Isolation Experienced with COPD. Canadian Respiratory Conference, Vancouver, BC. April 12-14, 2018.