Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) often suffer from both physical limitations and psychological distress, affecting their overall well-being. This study aims to evaluate the impact of combined psychological nursing and respiratory training on anxiety, depression, pulmonary function, dyspnea, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in COPD patients. METHODS: Clinical data from 180 COPD patients admitted to a hospital between January 2021 and June 2024 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Patients were divided into a control group (routine care, n=90) and an intervention group (psychological nursing combined with respiratory training, n=90) based on the care they received. The outcomes compared between the two groups included depression scores (SDS), anxiety scores (SAS), pulmonary function indicators (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], forced vital capacity [FVC]), dyspnea grading (mMRC score), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and quality of life scores (SGRQ scale). RESULTS: The SAS and SDS scores in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), indicating significant improvements in anxiety and depression. FEV1 and FVC levels were found to be significantly higher in the intervention group (P<0.05), reflecting improved pulmonary function. The mMRC score was significantly lower in the intervention group (P<0.05), indicating reduced dyspnea. The 6MWT distance was significantly longer in the intervention group (P<0.05), demonstrating enhanced exercise tolerance. The SGRQ score was significantly lower in the intervention group (P<0.05), suggesting a significant improvement in quality of life. CONCLUSION: Psychological nursing combined with respiratory training significantly reduces anxiety and depression, improves lung function and exercise tolerance, relieves dyspnea, and enhances quality of life in patients with COPD. It is recommended as a key component of comprehensive COPD management.