Raised illness mastering - a phenomenological hermeneutic study of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients' experiences while participating in a long-term telerehabilitation programme

Purpose: To investigate COPD patients' experience on the mastering of their illness during participation in a long-term interprofessional and cross-sectoral telerehabilitation programme called > C(sic)PD-Life>>. Materials and methods: A phenomenological-hermeneutic study design with combined participant observations and individual interviews formed a continuous data generation among fifteen patients while they participated in the programme. Data underwent a three-levelled interpretation inspired by the theory of the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur. Results: During participation in > C(sic)PD-Life>> patients experienced an improvement in how to master their living with COPD. They felt invigorated by an interprofessional rehabilitation team to raise how to deal with physical, mental, social and relational challenges. Programme participation was experienced as surprisingly easy by the patients. Conclusions: The telerehabilitation solution > C(sic)PD-Life>>provides benefits for COPD patients who report improved illness-mastering, attendance and outcome of rehabilitation, as well as enhanced physical and social activity. As an assistive technology intervention, > C(sic)PD-Life>>appears to be a valuable addition to existing rehabilitation programmes. However, more knowledge is required to further understand the full-range capacity and impact of tele-based pulmonary rehabilitation.