What are the benefits of using self-management plans for COPD patients in the community: a critical review of the literature.

AIM: To critically appraise the literature to assess the benefits of self-management plans in COPD patients in the community setting. DISCUSSION: A total of eight papers were included in this review: three qualitative and five randomised control trials (RCT), with one being a pilot study. The statistical significance of using COPD self-management plans was minimal. However, when exploring subsections of some of the trials, there was some data suggesting there was some health-related quality of life improvement. CONCLUSION: Further research is required to gain a valuable perspective from individual patients in regards to what they want to be included in a management plan and how this can be implemented into practice.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbation and self-management: a literature review.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being increasingly diagnosed in the UKs on the rise, and is expected to continue to rise due to an ageing population with multiple co-morbidities and exposure to risk factors, such as cigarette smoke, noxious gases and air pollutants. The prevalence of this disease is high is areas of socioeconomic deprivation and among high industrial areas. The use of self-management plans in COPD is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), to enable to patients with this disease to be competent and confident in taking part in managing their own health condition and recognising signs and symptoms of an exacerbation. The aim of this article is to discuss self-management of COPD and the clinical guidance surrounding exacerbation of disease. A follow-up literature review will focus on the effectiveness of self-management plans in COPD.