COPD Patient Symptom Management: A Continuing Education Course for Medical Surgical Nurses

Abstract

COPD is one of the top causes of mortality worldwide. The quality of life of the patient decreases with the progression of the disease and with time symptoms become aggravated with uncontrollable exacerbations. Patients who have lack of knowledge about self-management require hospital readmission, nurses can play a vital role in breaking the cycle of readmission and improving quality of life by providing proper patient education. The literature supports the need for increasing nurse’s knowledge regarding COPD symptom management while training them how to properly educate their patients to maximize quality of care leading to better patient outcomes. This project aims to develop a continuing education course for nurses who work on medical-surgical units in Saint George Hospital (SGH) to better educate their COPD patients about proper disease management regarding exacerbation prevention measures, pharmacotherapy, proper inhaler technique, pulmonary exercises, balanced nutrition, smoking cessation and active lifestyle.