Purpose: To describe the experiences of patients with COPD participating in a health coaching self-management program.

Patients and methods: Twenty patients who had participated in a 6-month health coaching self-management program intervention were purposefully selected for a qualitative evaluation of the program using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results: Four categories and 13 subcategories emerged describing the participants' experiences of the program. Their experiences were expressed as gaining insight into the importance of knowledge and personal responsibilities in the management of COPD, taking action to maintain a healthy lifestyle, feeling supported by the program, and being hindered by individual and program limitations.

Conclusion: Iterative interactions between patients and health care professionals together with the content of the program are described as important to develop skills to manage COPD. However, in future self-management programs more awareness of individual prerequisites should be considered.