My dissertation research explored how people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were using digital technologies. The purpose was to learn about the resources and strategies people were using, so that this information could be passed along to other people living with chronic lung conditions. A mixed methods study involving, interviews, a survey and patient-reported measures asked people with COPD about how they used technology to stay connected and support their illness.
Eighty-three people across British Columbia participated across three stages of the study. The majority of people were living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A few were living with other lung conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis or acute respiratory distress syndrome. A paper from my dissertation has been published in the Journal of the Medical Informatics Association, where I advocate for consumer health informatics to expand its focus towards “quality of life informatics.”
A summary of the study design and results can be found here. I would like to extend my thanks to all of the 83 participants who shared their expertise. The knowledge you shared has been used to inform current virtual online programs offered through the BC Lung Foundation. I continue to work with this community partner in helping to build more supports for people living with COPD.
Key Findings have been summarized through a set of infographics: