Coping Skills for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Their Caregivers

Telephone-based Enhanced Coping Skills Training (CST) intervention will systematically train participants (and caregivers) in the use of coping skills for symptom management (i.e. activity pacing, pleasant activity scheduling, communications, relaxation, goal setting, imagery, calming self-statements, problem solving, and preventing and dealing with setbacks). Participants in the CST condition will receive 12 weekly 30 minute telephone sessions followed by 2 bi-weekly booster sessions for training in symptom management strategies. Participants and caregivers will be evaluated at baseline, at the conclusion of 4 months of treatment, and at annual follow-up intervals for up to 4 years.

COPD usual care plus education and symptom monitoring control condition will participate in a weekly 15 minute phone call followed by 2 bi-weekly phone calls, assessing their health status and providing them with support and COPD education. COPD Education topics include types of lung disease, oxygen use, medication management, preventing infection, managing daily activities, and nutrition. Participants and caregivers will be evaluated at baseline, at the conclusion of 4 months of treatment, and at annual follow-up intervals for up to 4 years.