The essential structure of the lived experience of long term oxygen therapy in elderly persons with COPD

Abstract

To explore the experience of being on long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) the research methodology of phenomenology was used. Four persons on LTOT longer than one year were interviewed using an open-ended question. Interviews were audio-tape recorded, then analyzed using an adaptation of Colaizzi's eight step procedure. Nine theme categories were identified: (1) Ravages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), (2) Adjustment to LTOT, (3) Acceptance of LTOT, (4) Oxygen: The Unwelcome Lifeline, (5) Making It Through: Internal and External Resources, (6) striving for Normalcy, (7) When Determination and Ingenuity Aren't Enough, (8) Perceptions and Influences of Others, and (9) Relationships With Healthcare: A Mixed Bag. The essential structure of being on LTOT derived from theme categories indicated adjustment to LTOT occurs within the context of COPD. Restrictions placed by COPD and LTOT result in a struggle to continue to find meaning and quality in life. The support of others is acknowledged as essential to survival.