COPD is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of the lungs that makes it difficult to breathe.
The airways become narrowed, which blocks the air flowing out of the lungs. Symptoms can include cough, frequent chest infections and shortness of breath.
A person living with COPD can have flare-ups. This is when symptoms get worse. A flare-up can be caused by an infection - but this is not always the case.
Depending on your symptoms, your GP can often treat a flare-up. If you have a severe flare-up, you may need to be admitted to hospital.
COPD Outreach supports you as you recover from a flare-up following discharge from the hospital or emergency department.
What is COPD Outreach
COPD Outreach is a programme run by a specialist team that includes a nurse and physiotherapist. It aims to reduce your time in hospital and help you to recover at home.
In some cases, if you have been seen by COPD Outreach in the past, they may be able to help avoid an admission to the hospital.
Most hospitals offer this service.
The outreach team helps to get you home quickly if you have COPD symptoms and are:
- in the Emergency Department
- admitted to hospital
- known to COPD Outreach and have had a flare-up
How COPD Outreach works
The COPD Outreach team visits you in hospital to check if you are suitable for the outreach programme.
If you agree to the programme, you will be followed up at home over a 2-week period.
This follow-up will include home visits and phone support by the COPD Outreach team. This service is available Monday to Friday during normal working hours.
How often you are seen will depend on your needs.
During the 2-week period you will remain under the care of the respiratory consultant for your breathing problems.
We will tell your GP that you are being cared for by the COPD Outreach service. You return to the care of your GP when the COPD Outreach programme ends.
Home visits with the COPD Outreach team
At home, the nurse or physiotherapist will carry out an assessment and talk to you about your treatment plan.
The team can give you support and advice on:
- your condition, symptoms and treatments
- what to do if you have a flare-up (feel unwell again)
- inhalers and nebulisers
- oxygen therapy
- healthy living
- stopping smoking
- exercises to do at home
- techniques to help you manage your breathing
- pulmonary rehabilitation - they can arrange a referral
- other services such as COPD Support Ireland