Perspective of informal carers on a home-based physical activity programme (iLiFE) for individuals with interstitial lung disease.
Bárbara Costa, João Chagas, Cátia Paixão et al.
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In 30 seconds
This qualitative study, nested within the iLiFE randomised trial, explored informal carers’ perspectives on a home-based physical activity programme for people with interstitial lung disease (ILD). Nine carers participated; they were physically inactive, averaging 3819±1782 steps/day, and reported poor or unsatisfactory quality of life across measured domains. Thematic analysis suggested carers perceived improvements in their own well-being and couple relationships, as well as in patients’ health, with reduced caregiving burden. Carers valued support from health professionals and expressed interest in a longer programme, although patient fatigue was a challenge.
Key findings
- Nine carers participated and averaged 3819±1782 steps/day.
- Carers described perceived improvements in well-being and couple relationships, alongside better patient health and reduced caregiving burden.
- Participants valued health-professional support and wanted the programme to continue for longer, despite patient fatigue.
Why it matters
Informal carers have a central role in ILD management, yet their perspectives on physical activity programmes are not well studied. These interviews suggest that a programme aimed at patients may also be perceived as beneficial to carers and relationships, while highlighting support needs and fatigue as relevant considerations when designing home-based interventions.
What to keep in mind
The findings are based on interviews with nine carers and reflect perceived impacts; they do not establish that the programme caused changes in carers’ well-being or burden.