The Effect of Telehealth Based on Symptom Control and Rational Medication Use on Self-Efficacy, Anxiety-Depression, and Symptoms in Male Patients with COPD: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Introduction. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a critical global public health issue, imposing substantial physical, social, and economic burdens due to its symptoms and exacerbations. Telehealth has the potential to be applied for symptom management, monitoring medication adherence, and providing psychological support. This study was carried out to determine the effect of telehealth based on symptom control and rational medication use on self-efficacy, anxiety-depression, symptoms, walking, and healthcare use outcomes in male patients with COPD. Methods. A quasi-experimental design was used. The study examined 41 patients with COPD (the intervention group = 20, the control group = 21) treated at the Department of Chest Diseases, Buldan Chest Diseases State Hospital, Denizli, Türkiye. Data were collected at baseline and three months post-intervention using the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale, the COPD Assessment Test, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and the Six-Minute Walk Test. All participants received routine care. The patients in the intervention group were provided with a nurse-led program and telehealth for three months. Results. A comparison of the baseline data for the two groups revealed a statistically significant difference in the incidence of respiratory hospitalizations (p = 0.009). Analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline results revealed statistically significant differences for the weather/environmental effect (p=0.011) and behavioral risk factors subscales (p = 0.017) of the COPD Self-Efficacy Scale, as well as dyspnea score after the Six-Minute Walk Test (p = 0.034) in the intervention group compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed between the groups in anxiety-depression, symptoms, and healthcare use (p > 0.05). Conclusions. This study demonstrated that telehealth based on symptom control and rational medication use significantly affected post-walking dyspnea and partially improved COPD self-efficacy in male patients with COPD. Incorporating teamwork and device-based monitoring is recommended to enhance the effectiveness of telehealth interventions based on education and monitoring.