“A web-based computer-tailored intervention to improve self-management of people with or at risk for COPD”

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

Supervisors:

• prof.dr. T. van der Weijden;
• prof.dr. H. de Vries

Co-supervisor:

• dr. H.J. Tange

Keywords:

COPD, treatment, self-management, e-health

Self-management is an important component in treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many patients, however, find this component difficult. This dissertation describes the development of a customised computer program that helps COPD patients and people with an increased risk for developing COPD quit smoking and exercise more. While the convenience and user-friendliness of the primary care was positively evaluated, the effectiveness of the program could not be assessed, due in part to the participants making inadequate use of it. This dissertation presents several valuable lessons that can be applied in the continued search for effective COPD self-management interventions.