Lung Foundation

COPD-X Guidelines

This on-line tool provides best practice clinical management of COPD in a searchable format.

COPD-X Guidelines are available at http://www.copdx.org.au/

COPD-X Checklist  

page resource is a summary of the COPD-X Guidelines and will assist general practice in the diagnosis and management of COPD.

To download:

 COPD-X Checklist 469.33 Kb 

COPD Action Plan

This resource is designed to be completed by clinician and patient together. The Action Plan, provided here in pdf and Word format, will guide the patient to understand possible changes that will occur in their condition and what action they can take themselves to address these changes. 

To download:

 COPD Action Plan 677.32 Kb

 COPD Action Plan Word Version 70.00 Kb  

 Pulmonary Rehabilitation Toolkit

This on-line toolkit provides all the necessary elements and guidance to set up best practice pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Toolkit is available at http://www.pulmonaryrehab.com.au/.

COPD Algorithm

Asthma versus COPD Calculator is an aid to diagnosis.

The COPD Algorithm is available at http://www.dmac.adelaide.edu.au/copd/index.htm  

COPD Symptom Check

 ("Feeling Short of Breath?") 150.04 Kb

This DL flyer outlines a simple checklist of COPD symptoms.  This has been designed to be displayed in surgery waiting rooms and can be ordered from The Australian Lung Foundation.  All those who can say yes to three symptoms are asked to speak to their doctor about their lung health. 

COPD Symptom Check Poster

  ("Would this knock the wind out of you?") 173.40 Kb

This poster can be ordered for display in your surgery. It encourages your patients to be aware of symptoms of COPD and to ask for a lung function test if they are worried about their lung health.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation Fact Sheet

 Pulmonary Rehabilitation Fact Sheet 1.29 Mb 

Pulmonary rehabilitation is an evidence based intervention that is shown to improve the ability of patients to carry out activities of daily living.  There is also much evidence to show that pulmonary rehabilitation helps keep people fitter and out of hospital.  This fact sheet outlines the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation and answers frequently asked questions.  

Quitting smoking at any age is beneficial 

 Quitting smoking at any age is beneficial: 58.04 Kb 

This graph developed by Fletcher and Peto*, show the gradual loss of lung function in a never smoker compared to the more rapid loss of lung function in a smoker.  It also shows that by quitting smoking at any age the rate of lung function lost reverts to that of a non-smoker and results in years of life gained.  Reinforce the message that it is never too late to quit.

* Fletcher, C. and R. Peto, The natural history of chronic airflow obstruction. Br Med J, 1977. 1(6077): p. 1645-8.

Breathe Easier - Your Guide to COPD  

This brochure explains to a newly diagnosed patient in simple language what COPD is and, importantly, that there are things he/she can do to improve their symptoms, stay active and stay out of hospital. To order copies of this brochure fill in the order form or call 1800 654 301.

http://www.lungfoundation.com.au/content/view/78/83/

Better Living with COPD - A Patient Guide  

This comprehensive handbook is written in simple language and gives detailed information about the lungs, COPD and how a patient with COPD can help themselves to stay as well as possible.  This Guide is available on-line by chapter by clicking here or you can order a copy of the Guide by filling in the order form.