Intervention
The study intervention was a PR educational program developed based on the existing literature [In the intervention group, participants received educational materials through an android application which could be used both offline and online. The application had two main panels, namely an administrator panel and a user panel. The administrator panel included modification of program content and parts, adding or deleting users, answering the questions, monitoring the results of patients’ diagnostic tests, and monitoring the amount of using educational materials by each user. The user panel included video and written materials on PR, instruction to use different inhaled medications, physical exercises to improve respiratory functioning, relaxation, other caregiving-related tips, asking questions, sending the results of diagnostic tests, daily documentation of vital signs, and daily reminder messages. Participants needed to complete a knowledge assessment test before accessing PR educational materials. The application was installed on participants’ smartphones, where they could use it for six consecutive weeks. Before using the application, participants were provided with instructions about how to use it in a FTF session. Twice weekly telephone contacts were also made with participants in the intervention group to assess their needs and status. Participants in both groups completed the study instruments before and immediately after the study intervention.