Online Communication and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

This is an explorative and qualitative study that examines a municipal's rehabilitation program "Online Viva" (2014-2015). The questions are whether "Online Viva" improves the citizens' participatory health and whether it prevents exacerbation of COPD. "Online Viva" includes respiratory training and district nursing consultancy for elderly people with COPD. The district nurses' presence in the citizens' homes is replaced by online communication. The study involves 9 citizens and 5 health professionals. Preliminary results show that online consultations and training prevent anxiety, exacerbation, and support the citizens' management of COPD. The citizens find that the "Online Viva" reduces their need for hospitalization, and this is confirmed by the district nurses. Furthermore, the citizens find that their specific needs are fulfilled, making them comfortable in managing their COPD. It is emphasized by the citizens and the district nurses that they must have been in personal contact with each other before they meet online. Furthermore, it must be possible to visit the citizens in their private homes in addition to an online contact, if needed.