The effect of education on self-care agency and rational drug use of patients with COPD.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the effects of education given to patients diagnosed with the COPD on self-care agency and rational drug use.

METHODS

This study has a pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design. Participants were divided into two groups, those who received training with the COPD Guide booklet (n = 40) and routine clinical care (n = 43).

RESULTS

As a result of the study found a statistically significant difference between the self-care agency and rational drug use scale post-test mean scores of the patients in the intervention and control group in favor of the intervention group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Education on COPD management increased patients' self-care agency and their information, attitudes, and behaviors regarding rational drug use.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Clinicians can integrate a COPD Guide into routine care for patients with COPD.