Care Experiences of People with COPD during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Although there is a substantial body of literature focused on the pathophysiology regarding chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and COVID-19, there remains limited exploration of the healthcare experiences of patients with COPD during the pandemic. This study explores the challenges patients with COPD (PWC) experienced during the pandemic, including access to care, the efficacy of virtual COPD care, and mental health impacts. We performed a cross-sectional survey of 200 individuals with COPD recruited through respirologists' offices and local lung health groups on social media from Southwestern Ontario, Canada, who accessed care since the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included 200 participants, most aged 30–49. Fear of COVID-19 led 68% to delay or cancel in-person visits. 95% of participants accessed alternative care (online/phone), but barriers such as technology access, difficulty using technology, and language issues were common. Increased sadness was prevalent among those unable to maintain in-person care. The pandemic exacerbated mental health and disrupted care access for PWC, increasing reliance on virtual care despite significant barriers. Future programs should address technology access and digital literacy to better support patients. This study identified key challenges faced by people with COPD during COVID-19, including reduced in-person care, increased reliance on virtual care, and barriers related to technology access and digital literacy.