Learning Objective #1: The learner will be able to enhance QOL among COPD patients with the pulmonary rehabilitation program by evidence – based practice.

Learning Objective #2: The learner will be able to used to guide nursing practice in promoting QOL among COPD patients.

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease [COPD] Patients usually experience dyspnea and exacerbation refer to quality of life [QOL]. This, one group pre, and post test design aimed to test the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation program by evidence – based practice on QOL among COPD patients. The purposive sample of 30 COPD patients were attending the COPD clinic, Thawangpha Hospital from October 2005 and September 2006. The pulmonary rehabilitation program by Evidence – based practice follow American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, 1999 conducted by investigator was comprised of 6 steps; 1) patient training 2) self assessment and symptom management 3) exercise assessment and training 4) psychosocial assessment and intervention 5) smoking cassation 6) follow–up and home health care. This research instruments consisted of 1) Demographic Data Recording Form, 2) the Quality of Life Index 3) the pulmonary rehabilitation program by Evidence – based practice 4) Hand-book for pulmonary rehabilitation The pair t-test was used to compare the difference between the pre and post test scores.

The study finding revealed that the pulmonary rehabilitation program by evidence – based practice could enhance QOL among COPD patients. The median score after participation pulmonary rehabilitation program was statistical significantly higher than before entering the program (p < .01).

The finding from this study can be used to guide nursing practice in promoting QOL among COPD patients. The longitudinal study was recommended to confirm sustainability of the result.