Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used for a number of conditions including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It leads to damaged airways in the lungs, causing them to become narrower and making it harder for air to get in and out of
the lungs.
One of the most effective therapies for treating COPD is a programme of exercise and education known as ‘pulmonary rehabilitation’. In the UK this is most frequently offered as a 6-8 week course, usually based in a hospital. It has been proven to reduce disability, enhance physical and domestic activity, improve health status and reduce anxiety
and depression.
In 2004 the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) published guidelines for the management of COPD. One of the key recommendations was that pulmonary rehabilitation should be accessible to all those who may benefit. At a similar time the British Lung Foundation published a report suggesting that less than 3% of individuals with COPD have access to such a service.
During this study, Professor Singh developed a new rehabilitation package which aims to widen access to rehabilitation throughout the United Kingdom. This package takes the form of a printed manual that is designed to help people with COPD manage their condition themselves. The manual was developed and written by health care professionals, with contributions from physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses, doctors and dieticians, and individuals with chronic respiratory disease.
As it could be made available to patients regardless of their location and mobility, we hope that this manual will reach a much larger proportion of patients who could benefit and that it will have a significant impact on a broad spectrum of patients with chronic lung disease.
Relevant diseases: COPD
Relevant age groups: Adults
Amount awarded: £14,961
Duration: 12 months
