Experiences of Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Their Caregivers During the Pandemic: A Systematic Review

AIM: To explore the experiences of individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (IwCOPD) and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Systematic review, adhering to PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022327424). DATA SOURCES: PsycINFO, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. METHODS: Databases were searched in April 2022 using keywords relating to COPD, caregivers/patients and COVID-19. Studies collecting data on experiences of IwCOPD or their informal caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. Following screening and quality appraisal by two reviewers, a qualitative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS: Of 2931 abstracts screened, 24 articles met the inclusion criteria. For IwCOPD, pandemic impacts on physical and mental health were found, including fears of contracting COVID-19, changes in exacerbation levels, reductions in physical activity, and increases in depression and anxiety. Changes to healthcare management, including access to telemedicine, and positive adaptations, such as increased medication adherence, self-preservation and self-care, were also reported in the studies reviewed. Caregivers expressed fear of their care recipient contracting COVID-19 and changes in the home environment. CONCLUSION: While the pandemic led to considerable negative experiences for IwCOPD, review findings suggest that some positive experiences were also reported. IMPLICATIONS FOR PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE: Findings may help inform the development of physical and mental health supports for IwCOPD and their caregivers. IMPACT: This study sheds light on the limited evidence regarding experiences of IwCOPD and their caregivers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As many IwCOPD continue to be impacted by COVID-19, these findings have the potential to inform healthcare providers how they may better support IwCOPD and their caregivers in numerous aspects of their healthcare management and their daily lives. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The lead author's experience as a COPD caregiver acted as Public and Patient involvement input. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDER GLOBAL CLINICAL COMMUNITY?: (1) The review sheds light on the considerable impact the pandemic had on the mental and physical health of IwCOPD. (2) It identifies vulnerable areas where support could be improved for IwCOPD and their caregivers, and how support could be improved. RELEVANCY TO NURSING OPEN: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease require considerable care and support from nursing professionals. This review highlights the care needs and support that may be beneficial for this group and is relevant to Nursing Open on nursing practice and research.