Descriptive phenomenology research with a micro-phenomenology approach of COPD patient undertaking a first spirometry examination with french general practice

Objectives: To explore whether the delivery of a spirometry measurement and the communication of the COPD diagnosis in primary care, allows the patients to become aware of their state of health and to accept the disease.Design: Qualitative interview were conducted to explore the experience of patients who received a spirometry measurement in primary care before being given the diagnosis of COPD through a Micro-Phenomenology approach (MP) one month after spirometry. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the method of descriptive phenomenological analysis (DPA). Participants: 10 patients were recruited through their general practitioner network of primary care centre. Setting: Primary care in Indre-et-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, Centre-Val-De-Loire area, France, during 2017-18.Results: Patients reported that spirometry was experienced as an unusual act that gave meaning to the symptoms they experienced. Patients had both a desire to perform the test well and a willingness to confront their state of health. At the end of the spirometry and the announcement of the results, there was a break with their previous perception of themselves and their symptom following grief model stages. Overall patients told a narrative evolution of the cognitive and corporeal elements of their experience. This cognitive rupture with their chronic illness usually considered “as a way of life” allowed the patients to be aware of their state of health and to accept the disease.Conclusions: Beyond a diagnostic interest, spirometry test provides patients with an opportunity to become aware of their own state of health, re-framing their breath related limitations and thus to begin to appropriate the disease. These verbatims may be considered as health behavioural change stepping stones. Spirometry may bear educative potential and support lifestyle changes. Keywords: Spirometry; COPD; Primary care; Descriptive phenomenology analysis; Micro-phenomenology Implementation Science/Service Development Research Ideas on Respiratory Conditions and Tobacco Dependency Abstract Declaration of Interest This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors. The authors declare no conflict of interest. References and Clinical Trial Registry Information N/A