Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2025, Vol. 31 ›› Issue (1): 117-124.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2025.01.011

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Psychological experiences and care needs of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following dysphagia: a qualitative research

GONG Ping1,2, DOU Yingru3(), DAI Xuemei3, JIANG Xueping1, WU Meifang1, JIANG Fan2   

  1. 1. Yixing No. 2 People's Hospital (Yixing Occupational Disease Institute), Yixing, Jiangsu 241221, China
    2. School of Nursing and Public Health, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225009, China
    3. Department of Public Health Management, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, China
  • Received:2024-08-21 Revised:2024-12-20 Published:2025-01-25 Online:2025-01-22
  • Contact: DOU Yingru, E-mail: dyrhwyz@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Research Project on Hospital Management Innovation by Jiangsu Hospital Association(JSYGY-3-2023-627);Project from Jiangsu Institute of Health Emergency, Medical and Health Emergency Rescue Research Center of Xuzhou Medical University(JSWSYJ-20230201)

Abstract:

Objective To explore psychological experiences and care needs of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) following dysphagia.

Methods From April to June, 2024, 13 elderly patients with COPD and dysphagia received treatment in Yixing No. 2 People's Hospital (Yixing Occupational Disease Institute) and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital were interviewed. Nvivo 11.0 and content analysis were employed to analyze and summarize themes.

Results Two main themes were identified. The psychological experiences included fear of eating due to swallowing and choking, swallowing anxiety in social situations, concerns about malnutrition, and emotional loss related to family. The care needs included improvement in swallowing function, adjustment of food texture, assistance with disease adaptation and effective access to health education information.

Conclusion Healthcare professionals should thoroughly understand the psychological and needs of elderly patients with COPD-related dysphagia, and comprehensive nursing strategies should be developed and implemented to improve swallowing function and overall quality of life.

Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dysphagia, empowerment theory, qualitative research

CLC Number: