Singing for breathing in COPD and ILD patients: longitudinal qualitative interview study

<bold>Introduction:</bold> During the COVID-19 pandemic, many international singing for lung health programs transitioned to online delivery for wider reach. Limited evidence exists regarding the accessibility and effectiveness of these programs. “SINFONIA: A clinical trial examining the benefits of SingINg For breathing in COPD aNd ILD pAtients” adopted this novel online delivery approach in Australia. <bold>Aim & Methods:</bold> Longitudinal qualitative interviews were conducted to determine the attitudes and knowledge of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or interstitial lung disease and their carers participating in the program. We sought to understand how their views may evolve, explored any barriers and enablers to participating online and analysed qualitative data for descriptive and analytical themes. <bold>Results:</bold> From 44 patients (12 women and 12 men, aged 50-89) and 6 carer interviews, four themes emerged: 1. anticipation and simultaneously reluctance to participate; 2. the personal power of music; 3. building a sense of mastery; and 4. opportunities of group membership. With technological support, even participants with limited digital literacy could transition from anxiety to mastery of their chronic condition by accessing the online program. Findings highlighted engagement complexities and reduced social isolation through group interactions. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Participants, including those facing technological challenges, received support to actively engage in the program, ultimately reducing their social isolation. Future work should involve patients and carers in program design and development to enhance intervention scalability and determine the most effective delivery mode for broader implementation.