Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a lifelong disease that requires multidisciplinary management and patient cooperation. It is estimated that over 2 million people in Canada are living with the condition. For patients and those who care for them, receiving a diagnosis can be frightening and overwhelming. However, there are certain programs and services available to patients and their caregivers that help with management and improve quality of life.
COPD Patient Credit: James Heilman, MD
Resources
- Being a newly diagnosed or a long-time known COPD patient, you need enough information about your condition. Health and wellness websites like gilmorehealth.com can give you all the information you need including current management trends.
- The Canadian Pulmonary Rehabilitation program is a valuable resource that has all the tools necessary for successful high-quality COPD management. The most recent research literature is used to condition the program according to the patient’s health needs. In addition, it has undergone evaluation and improvement by numerous professional associations. The goal of the program is to enhance its use within both major centers and satellite sites, making use of telemedicine and web-based materials and resources. Trained medical professionals from prestigious universities and organizations are also a part of the program.
- The pulmonary rehabilitation program organized by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority is made available to patients with COPD and other chronic lung diseases. The program provides an individualized exercise regimen to enhance tolerance and breathing, as well as an understanding of the disease, infection prevention and control, breathing and relaxation techniques, and administration of pharmacotherapy. The goal is to improve self-management by patients thereby improving quality of life. The program also involves a multidisciplinary approach to the management of COPD. Click here for more info.
- Fitness for Breath is an online exercise maintenance program designed for people diagnosed with chronic lung diseases including COPD. The goals are to emphasize the health advantages of appropriate exercise, improve awareness of essential movement skills, improve participation in these activities, establish a secure and easily accessible exercise environment, and bolster the community recreation industry. This program encourages elderly patients with COPD to be physically fit and manage their lung disease by involving them in regular exercises. This also helps them maintain the benefits derived from their involvement in pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The incidence of flare-ups and the number of hospital admissions are also reduced.
- The INSPIRED COPD Outreach ProgramTM is a comprehensive program that involves the provision of materials and tools that help patients with moderate to severe COPD manage their conditions at home. This program is being pushed by the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvements. It has shown that home management of COPD can be improved while drastically cutting down on ER visits and hospital readmissions.
Final thoughts
COPD is a debilitating disease that could drastically reduce the quality of life if not managed optimally. Various resources and tools have been made available to patients and their caregivers by various institutions and organizations. So far, this has afforded patients a better life quality helping to improve disease outcomes.
References
Barratt, T. (2022, August 8). Supporting Canadians Living With COPD. Lung Health Foundation. Retrieved November 3, 2023, from https://lunghealth.ca/supporting-canadians-living-with-copd/
Canadian Lung Association. (n.d.). Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Retrieved November 13, 2023, from https://www.lung.ca/lung-health/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd
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