A COPD Self-Management Day

Introduction: The comprehensive educational component of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an important component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) self-management. However, depending on circumstances PR may not be convenient or appropriate for an individual patient and thus these patients do not access the educational component of PR. Background: COPD, due to its symptoms imposes a significant burden on the affected person in terms of quality of life and effects on daily activities [1]. Self-management is a term applied to educational programmes aimed at teaching the skills needed to perform medical regimens specific to the disease in order for patients to control their disease and lead more functional lives [2]. A patient with COPD has to become a partner and an active participant in their own care [3]. Method: 73 patients who did not complete PR were identified on the Respiratory Integrated Care (RIC) patient database. Reasons included that they did not fit the criteria or they declined or did not attend the programme. An invitation letter about the COPD Self-Management Day was sent to the 73 patients. 18 patients responded. Of these 4 patients responded that they were unable to attend at this time but would like to attend in the future. 11 patients attended on the day. A clinical specialist physiotherapist and clinical nurse specialists (CNS) working in RIC delivered self-management educational talks. These included: what is COPD?, Inhalers and Respiratory medications, Techniques to deal with shortness of breath, Chest clearance, Exercise and Self-management planning. Results: Patients completed an anonymous satisfaction survey at the end of the day. 100% of patients agreed that they had a better understanding of COPD, felt more confident and motivated to manage their COPD and would recommend the day to others. 90% of patients reported that they had a better understanding of Inhalers and Respiratory medications, Techniques to deal with shortness of breath, Chest clearance and Exercise. 80% of patients reported that they had a better understanding of self-management. 9 patients had their inhaler technique corrected, 2 patients were linked back into the CNS clinic, 2 patients now agreed to referral to PR and 1 patient had new equipment ordered. Conclusion: The COPD Self-Management Education Day was effective in improving patient’s knowledge and confidence to cope on a day to day basis with their disease. Notably, patients had their inhaler technique corrected and were linked into RIC services. There is a need for the COPD Self-Management Education Day and it will be repeated at regular intervals in Dublin North Central RIC. References: 1.Johansson H, Berterö C, Berg K, Jonasson L-L. To live a life with COPD – the consequences of symptom burden. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis [Internet]. 2019;14:905–9. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/copd.s192280 2.Labrecque M, et al. Can Respir J 2011; 18 (5): 77-81. http:doi.org/10.1155/2011/263574 3.Bourbeau J, Saad N. Integrated care model with self-management in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: From family physicians to specialists. Chron Respir Dis [Internet]. 2013;10(2):99–105. Available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1479972312473844