RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 A qualitative study of patients' experiences of participating in SPACE for COPD: a Self-management Programme of Activity, Coping and Education JF ERJ Open Research JO erjor FD European Respiratory Society SP 00017-2017 DO 10.1183/23120541.00017-2017 VO 3 IS 4 A1 Lindsay D. Apps A1 Samantha L. Harrison A1 Katy E. Mitchell A1 Johanna E.A. Williams A1 Nicky Hudson A1 Sally J. Singh YR 2017 UL http://openres.ersjournals.com/content/3/4/00017-2017.abstract AB The aim of this study was to understand experiences of participation in a supported self-management programme for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a wealth of clinical trials examining the outcomes of self-management interventions for individuals with COPD, but current understanding regarding patients' perspectives of such complex interventions is limited. Further insight may help to tailor self-management interventions and maximise patient engagement.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals participating in a self-management programme, SPACE for COPD. Interviews took place at 6 weeks and 6 months following the programme. Data were analysed at each time point using inductive thematic analysis, and subsequently re-examined together.40 interviews were undertaken and four themes emerged from the analysis: perceptions of the programme; lifestyle changes; social support; and disrupting factors and barriers to maintaining routines.SPACE for COPD was acceptable to participants in this study. The importance of education and social support was emphasised at both time points studied, but there were challenges such as comorbidities, ill health of family members and limited maintenance of exercise behaviours over the longer term. Further consideration of the role of carers and partners may help to improve adherence to self-management programmes once healthcare professional support has stopped.Participants valued SPACE for COPD but met complex barriers to independently maintain healthy behaviour long-term http://ow.ly/X7Ch30eMTVn