The British Lung Foundation (BLF) has published a new comprehensive chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) self-management pack available to physiotherapists, nurses and doctors to share with their patients. The packs are intended to support patients to take better control of their condition as well as help avoid flare ups and hospital admissions.

The pack includes a self-management plan and exercise handbook. It has been developed in partnership with the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care (ACPRC), the Association of Respiratory Nurse Specialists (ARNS), the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), medical experts and patients across the UK in accordance with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) quality standards. The self-management pack has also been endorsed by the Primary Care Respiratory Society UK (PCRS-UK).

COPD accounts for around 1.4 million GP consultations a year. [i] It is the second most common cause of emergency hospital admissions in the UK (with an estimated 94,000 admissions each year), and also one of the most costly inpatient conditions treated by the NHS.[ii] It has been estimated that programmes aimed at educating COPD patients and helping them manage their own condition could save the NHS around £800m over 10 years.[iii]

The BLF will also be holding a COPD Twitter chat on 9 June at 8pm with ACPRC, ARNS, CSP, Nursing Times, PCRS-UK, Pulse Magazine as well as a number of HCPs from across the different medical disciplines. It will cover issues such as early diagnosis and patient self-management. People can join the Twitter chat and ask questions by following @lunguk the hashtag #COPDCare.

Ann Procter, a COPD patient who has taken control of her condition through self-management, said:

"At first my COPD diagnosis meant I no longer had the freedom I enjoyed before and had to give up many of the things I loved. However, by working closely with heath care professionals on a self-management plan, my life changed dramatically. I no longer need my mobility scooter and I even went kayaking recently - something beyond my wildest dreams at one stage.

"People need to understand that having this condition doesn't mean losing your ability to do the things you love. I'm a very different person these days, and I feel like my life has been given back to me again".

Steven Wibberley, Chief Operating Officer at the British Lung Foundation said:

"Supported self-management and a partnership between patients and health care professionals are crucial for COPD patients to take control of their condition. Our new self-management pack will offer health care professionals the extra tools they need to help their patients achieve this".

Lizzie Grillo, Chair of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care, said:

"The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care is proud to have contributed to the development of this pack for patients. It will help physiotherapists and other health professionals to work more closely with patients by providing vital information and advice about symptoms as well as space for tracking medication, appointments and an action plan.

"The packs are about putting patients at the centre of their care and enabling them to take control of their condition so they can live fuller, more active lives".

The self-management plan and exercise handbook can be ordered separately or together so health care professionals can tailor them to the needs of their patients. The packs are available to order from the BLF website or alternatively by contacting 03000 030 555/ sales@blf.org.uk.