Transforming Palliative Care for Rural Patients with COPD Through Nurse-Led Models.

Background/Objectives: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with rural populations experiencing higher prevalence and worse outcomes. This paper explores the transformative potential of nurse-led palliative care models in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural patients with COPD and their informal caregivers and synthesizes current evidence on nurse-led palliative care interventions, highlighting their impact on symptom management, advance care planning, and psychosocial support. Methods: This is a comprehensive synthesis of nurse-led palliative care programs, focusing on home-based care, telehealth, community outreach, and primary care integration. Results: Nurse-led interventions significantly improve patient satisfaction, reduce symptom burden, and enhance the likelihood of advance care planning discussions. Home-based care models and telehealth are particularly effective in rural settings, offering accessible and continuous support. Conclusions: Nurses have a critical role in bridging the palliative care gap for rural patients with COPD and their informal caregivers. Expanding nurse-led palliative care services can improve quality of life, reduce healthcare utilization, and promote health equity. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and strategies for scaling nurse-led palliative care programs in rural contexts.