A Comparative Study of Face-to-Face Training for Elderly Individuals and Caregivers on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Severity

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranks as the third leading cause of global patient mortality. Patient hospitalization presents an opportune moment to engage caregivers in patient care. This study aims to assess and compare the impact of face-to-face education for the elderly and their caregivers on COPD severity.

This two-group clinical trial included COPD patients from the internal department of Imam Khomeini Esfarayen Hospital. Each group, one for elderly training and one for caregiver training, comprised 29 seniors and underwent four 20-30 minute face-to-face sessions. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was administered before intervention, during discharge, and one month post-intervention. Statistical tests, including Chi-square, Fisher's exact, Mann-Whitney, and Friedman, were employed for data analysis by SPSS24 .

Significant differences in disease severity were observed in both the elderly training group and the caregiver training group before the intervention, during discharge, and one month later (p<0.001). However, there was no notable distinction between the two groups regarding the effectiveness of education on disease severity (P>0.05).

Face-to-face education for both the elderly and caregivers yielded reductions in COPD severity. Considering the cost-effectiveness of training caregivers, who often provide unpaid care for the elderly, nurses can contribute to improving elderly health through caregiver education.