Effectiveness of internet‐based self‐management interventions on pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Aim To investigate the effectiveness of internet‐based self‐management interventions on pulmonary function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Design Systematic review and meta‐analysis. Data Sources Eight electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane library, Embase, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wangfang and Weipu databases were systematically searched from inception of the database to January 10, 2022. Methods Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and results were reported as mean difference (MD) or standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Outcomes were the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced volume capacity (FVC) and percent of FEV1/FVC. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies. The study protocol was not registered. Results Eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 476 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in meta‐analysis. It was found that internet‐based self‐management interventions showed a significant improvement in FVC(L), while FEV1 (%), FEV1 (L), FEV1/FVC (%) and FVC (%) did not significantly improve. Conclusions Internet‐based self‐management interventions were effective in improving pulmonary function in patients with COPD, caution should be exercised in interpreting the results. RCTs of higher quality are needed in the future to further demonstrate the effectiveness of the intervention. Relevance to Clinical Practice It provides evidence for internet‐based self‐management interventions in improving pulmonary function in patients with COPD. Impact The results suggested that internet‐based self‐management interventions could improve the pulmonary function in people with COPD. This study provides a promising alternative method for patients with COPD who have difficulty seeking face‐to‐face self‐management interventions, and the intervention can be applied in clinical settings. Patient or Public Contribution No Patient or Public Contribution.