Effect of pictorial action plan on self-management in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Randomised controlled trial

This randomised controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the pictorial action plan (PAP) on the ability to recall health information, symptom status, and healthcare utilisation in older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A nurse-led dialectic discharge education session was provided to 172 participants. While the intervention group received a PAP, a written action plan was used in the control group. Outcomes were assessed three (T1) and six (T2) months later. The ability to recall health information peaked at T1 in both groups, but the intervention group performed better across timepoints. While symptom status continually improved in the intervention group, improvement in the control group sustained for only three months. The intervention group reported lower numbers of emergency department visits and unplanned readmissions, as well as a shorter length of stay at T2. The PAP demonstrated promising effects on various patient outcomes in conjunction with dialectic education.