THEME 1. EXPERIENCING HEALTHCARE SUPPORT

Feeling supported

Just letting me know you were always there to support me—Female, age 41, Major City

It feels like someone is out there who truly cares and can depend on—Male, age 64, Major City

It had the knack of providing the right support at exactly the right time—Female, age 64, Inner Regional Australia

Mental health benefits of feeling less alone

Although I’m aware the messages were generated electronically, it made me feel less alone. The support provided has been wonderful and I’m very grateful for being involved—Female, age 64, Major City

I felt so much less alone by receiving these tips that though generic felt written in a very caring way specifically for me. Great for my mental well being too—Female, age 70, Major City

I felt alone with my condition before I subscribed to the messages—Female, age 64, Inner Regional Australia

THEME 2. USEFUL FOR MANAGING MY HEALTH

Informative

Very informative and I learnt some new things I was unaware of—Female, age 69, Inner Regional Australia

The messages gave me valid information, but not overloaded it—Female, age 70, Very Remote Australia

Learnt some coping tips didn’t know. Main one, when breathless bend forward with arms resting in front of you—Male, age 70, Major City

Easy to understand

They were easy to understand and gave easy to follow instructions when needed—Female, age 65, Major City

Even people with basic reading skills can follow these—Female, age 65, Major City

Gentle health reminders that motivated behaviour change

It was daily reminders of good things to do for myself that would help my quality of life. I thought they were great prompts—Female, age 68, Inner Regional Australia

It reminded me of the very small things I can do to make a difference to my own lung health and wellbeing. Encouraged me to challenge myself and not get disheartened—Female, age 70, Major City

They form a reassurance that exercise, diet, other simple strategies like breathing and recovery are in my control, and can benefit my condition—Male, age 66, Major City

SUGGESTIONS FOR PROGRAM IMPROVEMENT: CONTROL OVER PROGRAM FEATURES

Program length

The only negative thing is that it has finished and I will no longer receive my comforting, helpful messages any longer—Female, age 62, Major City

Loved the program, could only be improved by extending the program—Female, age 66, Major City

The program should be ongoing: it is good for staying motivated—Male, age 68, Outer Regional Australia

Message frequency

I received daily messages… on the odd busy day I did ignore them till after work but always looked at them in the evening…so maybe an option of how many messages a week would be my only note—Female, age 54, Inner Regional Australia

Too many messages. Sometimes up to 4 consecutive days. Preferable to have less and be able to focus on one thing more slowly—Female, age 77, Major City

More detailed information

I would like to see some advice about condition specific actions. Keeping it general weakens the type of help that this can provide—Male, age 66, Inner Regional Australia

Could be more new information instead of basic information which people with COPD already know. It was useful as memory jogger—Male, age 74, Major City

Some messages needed a little more detail—Female, age 71, Inner Regional Australia