Living with COPD

Research conducted within the Centre for Asthma and Respiratory Diseases has identified a gap in the delivery of person centred education for older people with asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 1. To fill this gap we have developed an interactive DVD to support patients to better manage their COPD. The DVD is presented in chapters which were chosen based on the prevalence of the clinical problems identified in older people with COPD 2. A project team was convened involving leading content experts. Each expert presents a chapter in the DVD, including:

  1. An overview of COPD
  2. Flare ups
  3. Inhaled medications
  4. Exercise and pulmonary rehabilitation
  5. Breathlessness
  6. Eating well
  7. Stopping smoking

This has been audience tested with clinicians and patient and both groups rated the quality of the DVD highly and considered it to be a patient friendly resource. After watching the DVD, patients stated they felt more able to manage their disease, more motivated to exercise, and more able to manage their breathlessness. All clinicians said they would recommend it to patients. The DVD can be a valuable addition to clinical practice and COPD patient education.

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References

  1. The Use of Qualitative Interviews to Gain Insight into Older People with COPD and Asthma. Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand; 2008; Melbourne. Respirology.
  2. McDonald VM, Simpson JL, Higgins I, Gibson PG. Multidimensional Assessment of Older People with Asthma & COPD: Clinical Management and Health Status. Age Ageing 2011;40(1):42-49.