COPD - 1 - Condition & Symptoms

Possible Action Steps

Discuss what causes COPD (primarily smoking or exposure to smoke)
Help individual understand how the lungs work and how COPD results from damage to the lungs
Share the signs and symptoms of COPD; identify which symptoms the individual has
Review with individual key COPD terms and words

Supporting Resources

Possible Action Steps

Have individual track when symptoms of COPD occur, noting:
• Identify what activities s/he was engaged in when the symptoms occurred or are worse
• Describe the onset of problems and complications
• Recognize the circumstances around the events that seem to provoke and prevent symptoms
Help the individual understand the impact of smoking/smoke exposure on his/her symptoms
Keep a diary to keep track of when symptoms occur and when they do not occur.

Supporting Resources

Goal: Help the individual understand his/her role in managing COPD and the importance of their active involvement as part of their care team

Possible Action Steps

Discuss the role of the individual, coach and their physician(s)
Understand what should be done at each doctor visit
Have the individual recall a time they felt they were managing their health well. What were they doing and how did they feel?
Have the individual write down 3 questions they want to address on the next call related to the management of their COPD

Supporting Resources

Goal: If applicable, discuss with the individual their use of oxygen. Do they understand the benefits and appropriate use of oxygen therapy?

Possible Action Steps

Discuss how oxygen is being used. Does it help? If not, discuss ways to realize greater benefit
Do they understand the pre-cautions to observe when using oxygen (stay away from flames, no smoking!, don’t change settings, stay away from aerosol cans when using (e.g. hair spray), etc.)
Discuss myths and truths of oxygen therapy

Supporting Resources