People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) often have periods of exacerbation or worsening of their symptoms. We know that self-management (for example, forming action plans) can decrease hospital admissions but we wanted to know if self-management interventions provided to patients immediately after an exacerbation would have an effect on their hospitalizations and health.

The effect of self-management support on hospitalizations after exacerbation was difficult to determine but it appears important to provide self-management support after exacerbations that includes education, skills training, psychological support, and follow-up.   

Take home message: The systems that are in place for clinically stable patients with COPD may not be appropriate for people who have just had an exacerbation. Self-management support after an exacerbation should include identification and treatment of psychological symptoms, delivery of respiratory-specific advice and strategies, and in-home follow-up. 

Publications

Self-management After Exacerbation of COPD 
Non-pharmacological Management After Exacerbation of COPD