This pilot study was designed to extend supportive care for people with COPD by evaluating a non-pharmacological mindfulness-based intervention in the context of pulmonary rehabilitation. COPD is often accompanied by psychological distress and poor adherence to treatment, which can negatively impact patient outcomes. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has shown promise in chronic disease populations, but evidence in COPD remains limited.
The study follows a two-phase exploratory design. In phase 1, the potential clinical effects of integrating MBSR into a hospital-based rehabilitation programme were explored. Although promising, the control group consisted only of men, which limited the validity of clinical comparisons with the mixed intervention group.
To remedy this limitation, phase 2 was launched as part of a doctoral research project. The aim is to strengthen methodological robustness by balancing the control group with female participants. All the participants are involved in a structured outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation programme, which provides a stable framework for evaluating the effects of MBSR.
The study is examining changes in psychological outcomes, quality of life and behavioural measures such as medication adherence. The results will help guide future controlled trials evaluating mindfulness-based interventions in respiratory care.
