Objective: Continuous care during the post-discharge transition period is necessary for convalescence in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of group visits on the health of patients with COPD during the post-discharge transition period.
Methods: In this prospective randomized study, a total of 116 patients with COPD post-discharge were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 57) or the group visit intervention group (GV; n = 59). A healthy lifestyle, quality of life, self-efficacy and lung function before and after the intervention and acute COPD exacerbation(s) during the intervention were recorded and analyzed.
Results: Healthy lifestyle and self-efficacy scores were higher in the GV group after compared with before the intervention and the control group. Lung function was improved in both groups, with greater improvement in the GV group. In addition, the frequency of outpatient emergency services and hospitalizations due to acute COPD exacerbations was lower in the GV group compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Group visits are efficient administration models in patients with COPD. Through health education and companion support, group visits increase patients' self-efficacy, promote patients' transition to a healthy lifestyle, improve their quality of life, reduce acute exacerbations and lower medical costs during the post-discharge transition period.