Abstract
The poster presents four best practices to incorporate in COPD care, based on an exhaustive literature and evidence review. The readers are encouraged to consider their roles of best practices in the primary care of people with COPD and beyond.
Primary Author and Speaker: Damian Chi Hong Siu
Additional Authors and Speakers: Liat Gafni-Lachter
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) was the third leading cause of death in 2019, and is an increasingly important cause of morbidity, disability, and mortality worldwide. It is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disease. Without proper care, shortness of breath and dyspnea can lead to decreased activity tolerance and restricted participation. Occupational therapists have a central role in addressing COPD in primary care. The poster will present four best practices to incorporate in occupational therapy for COPD care, based on findings from an exhaustive literature review of evidence and guidelines. First, self-management education programs: Education for self-management fosters the patient’s recognition and control over COPD signs and symptoms in daily activities. One evidence-based example is the Living Well With COPD self-management program. Second, Health Qigong is a mind-body exercise that enforces a relaxed state of mind; rhythmic, deep, and slow breathing, and motion coordinated with breathing. Regular practice of was found to promote the health status of patients with COPD including lung function, physical fitness, immunity, perceived severity of dyspnea, and quality of life. Third, as a chronic condition, patients with COPD require ongoing support. Positive patient-healthcare professional relationships that provide psychosocial beyond educational and medical support are essential. Finally, telehealth or digital communication can facilitate remote communication for consultation, education, activity monitoring, action plan development and adherence, and ongoing professional and peer support. Such interventions offer increased accessibility and adherence. Evidence demonstrated similar effects between telehealth and usual care for people with COPD. During the poster presentation, the audience will be encouraged to reflect on the role of occupational therapy in applying these best practices for patients with COPD in primary care.
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