Commissioning COPD Services

Source: Agenda for Health

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Date of publication:  September 2011

Publication type: Web site

In a nutshell: In September, the Department of Health launched the COPD Commissioning Pack.  Agenda for Health is running a series of workshops in October and November to provide practical experience of using the packs to commission a spirometry and diagnostic service, an assesment and review of home oxygen or pulmonary rehabilitation.  The site includes workshop resources, including presentations.

Length of publication:  One web page

Some important notes: Registration with the site is required to access the resources

Ambulatory oxygen: why do COPD patients not use their portable systems as prescribed? A qualitative study

Source:  BMC Pulmonary Medicine  http://www.biomedcentral.com

Follow this link for the abstract

Follow this link for the full-text

Date of publication:  February 2011

Publication type:  Journal article

In a nutshell: The aim of this study was to obtain in-depth information about perceptions and use of prescribed ambulatory oxygen systems from patients with COPD to inform ambulatory oxygen design, prescription and management.  Participants reported that they: received no instruction on how to use ambulatory oxygen; were uncertain of the benefits; were afraid the system would run out while they were using it (due to lack of confidence in the cylinder gauge); were embarrassed at being seen with the system in public; and were unable to carry the system because of the cylinder weight. The essential role of carers was also highlighted, as participants with no immediate carers did not use ambulatory oxygen outside the house.  The study concuded that such issues should be addressed to improve adherence to ambulatory oxygen prescription and enhance the physical and social benefits of maintaining mobility in this patient group.

Length of publication:  7 pages

Acknowledgement:  MEDLINE

Role of the Management Pathway in the Care of Advanced COPD Patients in Their Own Homes

Source: Care Management Journals

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: December 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell:  The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a management pathway in the care of oxygen-dependent COPD patients in their homes. During the study period, the overall hospitalization rate
dropped (11% per month at the second visit vs. 2.1% per month at the third visit). The patients’ understanding of the disease improved substantially (21.6% vs. 83.9%), knowledge of medications the patients were taking improved (56.0% vs. 87.0%), and appropriate use of medications increased (52.0% vs. 86.0%). 

Length of publication:  5 pages

Some important notes: Original article may be available with an NHS Athens username; contact your local NHS library service for details.  Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Acknowledgement: CINAHL

Request for examples of good practice from the Joint National Clinical Directors for respiratory disease

Source: ARNS

Date of publication: January 2010

Publication type: Web page

In a nutshell: The newly established Lung Improvement Programme (part of NHS Improvement) is developing a web-based show-case of examples of good practice and innovation in the areas of COPD, Home Oxygen and Asthma.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Links to further details not working 29/01/10

Acknowledgement: ARNS