What is Patient Support?

We all need support to help us cope with difficult situations during certain stages of our lives.

As with any chronic health problem, when you are diagnosed with a lung condition, there are many different elements to deal with and understand.  Apart from the physical symptoms, you may experience a range of emotions such as depression, anxiety, irritability, isolation and confusion. Patient support groups can offer many practical suggestions and ways to cope.

Patient support is all about assisting you to manage your condition more effectively by gaining a better understanding of it; meeting people who are going through a similar experience and helping you feel that you are not alone.  Being around people who understand can help to break down the sense of isolation you may experience.

Patient support is not just for patients. It is also for family members and carers who often need support as well. It is an opportunity for them to learn and meet with others and to share experiences.

What is a Patient Support Group?

A patient support group is a collective of people sharing common interests and experiences, in this case, people with a lung condition and their carers/families. It provides an environment to share information and discuss ways to cope with the challenges of living with a lung condition.

What do Patient Support Groups do?

Patient support groups offer a welcoming, informal environment and the opportunity to participate in many different types of activities, which may include:

• regular meetings
• guest speakers providing information on a range of topics
• receiving and distributing lung health information
• education and information days
• exercise programs
• social or recreational activities
• group newsletters
• member to member support (through telephone calls, hospital and home visits)

Meeting Information

Where and when do Patient Support Groups meet?

Most groups have regular meetings which are often held at a community or neighbourhood centre, or a meeting room at a local hospital. Venues with reasonable transport access are normally chosen.

How much does it cost?

Membership of a patient support group normally involves a small annual fee and perhaps a gold 
coin donation at meetings to cover the costs 
of “membership services”, such as postage, photocopying, venue hire and tea and coffee. 
These fees are always kept to an absolute minimum.

The Australian Lung Foundation’s Patient Support Group Network

The Australian Lung Foundation has established a network of Patient Support Groups across Australia who are affiliated with the Lung Foundation. The Groups are supported by the Lung Foundation through its Information and Support Centre, which provides the following:

• Free call Information Line: 1800 654 301.
• Educational Brochures: Disease-specific patient information brochures on a range of  lung conditions, which are available upon request.

• Newsletter: Published on a quarterly basis, LungNet News provides informative articles on lung health and keeps readers informed about Lung Foundation initiatives.
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program Contact Details: These programs are provided by health professionals and consist of exercise training and information sessions to assist patients to understand their lung condition and help improve their quality of life. The Lung Foundation maintains a list of contacts for programs in each State and Territory.
• Education Days: Held annually in each State, LungNet Education Days provide an opportunity for patients to hear first hand from health professionals about the latest developments in lung health.

Finding a Patient Support Group

To find your nearest group, telephone The Australian Lung Foundation. A list of group locations is also available on the Lung Foundation’s website at www.lungfoundation.com.au. Contact details and further information can be obtained by calling 1800 654 301.

A printed brochure of this fact sheet is available free of charge for members of the community.  To order a copy contact 1800 654 301 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

If there is no patient support group in your area, you may be interested in setting one up yourself. The Australian Lung Foundation can provide information and assistance to get you started and advice on maintaining a successful group.

Content updated October 2010