COPD circle of care: Patient centred education and counselling tool for COPD self-management

Background: Current gaps exist between heathcare professionals and COPD patients in effective communication & counselling on patient self management. Aim and objective: To develop a patient centred counselling tool, based on Canadian Clinical Practice Guidelines, for COPD self management that will meet the needs of family physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, COPD educators & pharmacists responsible for COPD patient education. Methods: 7 national stakeholder organizations and 14 healthcare professionals from across Canada collaborated in the development of a patient centred COPD education/counselling tool. A core development board (3 COPD nurse educators, 1 pharmacist, 1 family physicians and 1 respirologist) developed the core materials. Input and direction was then provided by 3 regional committees (each comprised of 2-3 healthcare practitioners) to ensure regional nuances and national application of the tool. The national stakeholder organizations ensured that the tool meet the requirements of the respective organizations. The tool was tested with COPD patients to ensure usability and validity. Results: A tool with universal graphics and language in a paper format will be presented at the ERS. The tool contains self management strategies for preventing acute exacerbations, breathlessness, signs of worsening COPD and action plan. Conclusion: An effective patient education/counselling tool is required for successful communication between healthcare professionals and patients on COPD patient self-management. The utility and clinical impact of the tool will require HCP education and training.