Education and self-management in pulmonary rehabilitation

Education and self-management interventions are interdependent concepts included as part of a PR programme delivery. The goal of the content provided is to acquire knowledge, skills and strategies that facilitate behaviour change and optimise care, both during and beyond a PR programme. While there are several options for delivery, the application of approaches that guide patient engagement and empowerment and align with adult learning principles is desirable, including those employing greater use of technology and digital resources. Patient-specific factors that influence uptake and engagement with education and self-management interventions include health literacy, psychological symptoms and cognitive impairment, as well as the degree of social support. These factors should be considered by HCPs when devising strategies to facilitate engagement and uptake, and to encourage the longevity of effects of education and self-management interventions in PR.