Introduction:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a progressive disease that compromises the physical condition and quality of life. Education has resulted in a positive outcome in terms of improving the adherence to treatment, encouraging self-management, and reducing the number of exacerbations as well as the hospitalization expenditure. The aim of the present study was to establish the effect of a hospital-based education program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on the level of knowledge of the disease.

Materials and Methods:

We performed a quasi-experimental before and after study. The Lung Information Need Questionnaire (LINQ) was employed to measure the level of knowledge of the disease, before and after the educational program was developed, in three sessions during the hospitalization. After three months, we investigated the use of health services and the per ception of the health status.

Results:

A total of 33 patients participated, which included 19 women (58%), 14 men (42%). The average age was 73.7 ± 7.6 years; 52% of participants had basic education; and 88.8% belonged to the low socioeconomic level. In LiNQ-pre, the average score was 14.55 ± 4.25, whereas LINQ post educational intervention average was 4.94 ± 1.7. The total score of the Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire was 77.7 with a greater commitment of the activity limitation domain at 86.37. At three months follow-up, 19 patients (79%) reported improvement in health.

Conclusions:

Through educational intervention, patients significantly improved their knowledge of the disease. Therefore, it can be con cluded that a hospital-based education program benefits patient care and optimizes the health resources.

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