We are pleased to see the AIM Health Team announce two new COPD protocols for general practice.
One is for non-smoking patients, and the second for smokers but brings in encouragement to stop smoking.
Each day patients are asked the colour of their sputum, which they assess against a colour chart. If the colour is 4 or 5, they are asked if they are feeling unwell, and if so, to take their temperature and send the reading in.
If they have a high temperature, they are asked further questions which can help determine a likely exacerbation and if they should take their rescue medication, and to inform the nurse.
The protocols also work hard to develop a clearer picture in the Patients record; they are asked for their Oxygen Saturation readings daily, and their Weight every two weeks. These measureable readings are supplemented by responses to questions such as, “are you doing ‘something active most days”, and questions surrounding depression.
Patients also receive a daily message giving them information, encouragement, and advice.
Our experience from meeting COPD patients using Florence has been some of the most positive. They feel empowered, and much more positive about their condition; they consult the nurse or GP less often, and hospital admissions are greatly reduced. You can see a video case study from a COPD patient here.
http://youtu.be/MS-R7rwReiI