Objectives: To evaluate the effects of a health coaching self-management programme intended to improve self-management skills and psychological status for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted among patients with COPD. The participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomized to either an intervention group (n=48) or a control group (n=49). The intervention group received the health coaching self-management programme, while the control group received usual care. The programme were performed during six months, and the effects of the intervention were assessed by the COPD Self-management Scale (CSMS) and Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) at baseline, 6th week, 6th month and 12th month post discharge.

Results: Of the 97 patients, 45 (94%) in the intervention group and 40 (82%) in control group, completed 12-month follow-up. The interaction effect between time and group (control or intervention) showed that the intervention group improved significantly compared to the control group for all five dimensions in self management skills, Symptom management (P<0.001), Daily life management (P<0.001), Emotion management (P<0.001), Information management (P<0.001) and Self-efficacy (P<0.001), as well as psychological status with anxiety (P<0.001) and depression (P<0.001).

Conclusion: This trial shows that a nurse-led Health Coaching Self-management Programme has the potential to significantly improve the effects on the self management skills, as well as reducing anxiety and depression for patients with COPD.