The application effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation program based on empowerment theory for patients with COPD combined with heart failure

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure are often coexisting conditions that can severely impact patients’ cardiopulmonary function and quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, particularly those based on empowerment theory, may improve clinical outcomes by enhancing self-efficacy and promoting patient engagement. Methods: A total of 70 patients with COPD and heart failure admitted to our hospital’s respiratory department from January 1, 2023, to April 31, 2024, were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 35) or an observation group (n = 35). The control group received routine care, while the observation group underwent an empowerment-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in addition to routine care for 4 weeks. Lung function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, maximum voluntary ventilation), arterial blood gas levels (partial pressure of carbon dioxide, partial pressure of oxygen, and arterial oxygen saturation), cardiac function (left ventricular ejection fraction and serum brain natriuretic peptide), cardiopulmonary function (heart rate, respiratory rate, and 6-minute walk test), self-efficacy, and rehabilitation compliance were measured before and after the intervention. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups before the intervention (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the observation group exhibited significant improvements in lung function, arterial blood gas levels, cardiac and cardiopulmonary function, and self-efficacy scores compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Rehabilitation compliance was also significantly higher in the observation group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: An empowerment-based pulmonary rehabilitation program effectively improves rehabilitation compliance, lung and heart function, and self-efficacy in COPD patients with heart failure, suggesting it has strong potential for clinical application.