A focus group study about healthcare professionals' perspectives on patient education in pulmonary rehabilitation

Introduction Learning-centred education is a paramount component of pulmonary rehabilitation. A variability in educational needs exists among patients with a chronic respiratory disease referred for pulmonary rehabilitation and their significant others. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in meeting these needs by facilitating opportunities for learner-centred education. This study aimed to explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals involved in pulmonary rehabilitation regarding optimisation of patient education for people with a chronic respiratory disease referred for pulmonary rehabilitation and their significant others. Methods Focus groups were conducted, which took place on-site at Ciro, a centre of expertise for patients with chronic organ failure, and online. Focus groups consisted of 1) an interprofessional team of healthcare professionals affiliated with Ciro; and 2) hospital-based healthcare professionals who refer patients to Ciro for pulmonary rehabilitation. Focus groups were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically by two independent researchers. Results Three focus groups were held, involving 17 healthcare professionals representing various disciplines. Four main themes were identified: facilitators for optimal patient education, barriers for optimal patient education, involving significant others in patient education and healthcare professionals' preferences for education. Discussion To enhance patient education in pulmonary rehabilitation, key recommendations include adopting personalised education, integrating e-health applications to complement face-to-face education and strengthening interprofessional collaboration for continuous and accessible education for both patients and their significant others.