COPD Care and Education NS

Education and supports for Nova Scotians living with COPD, to help them self-manage their symptoms and live better with COPD.

Welcome

The information in this guide is for Nova Scotians living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These resources will help you:

  • Understand COPD
  • Manage COPD
  • Find self-management programs in Nova Scotia that may help you live better with COPD
  • Make healthy lifestyle choices
  • Learn how to navigate chronic (ongoing) illness resources when you need them

Play the short video to the right to learn more about the early stages of COPD.

News

November 20th is World COPD Day

The theme in 2024 is Know Your Lung Function.

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a type of lung condition diagnosed by a pulmonary function test called spirometry, commonly referred to as a “breathing test.” It is important to know what type of lung condition you have to get the right treatment. COPD can get worse over time and the results of spirometry can help determine the impact COPD is having on how your lungs are functioning. Patients often say that they don't know what their breathing test results are. Similar to knowing your blood pressure or blood sugar levels, it is helpful to know what your lung function is. If you have had a breathing test, ask your primary care practitioner about the results of your test.

Photo top row: Jane Purcell, RRT/CRE; Andrea Audette RRT/CRE; Holly Kennedy, Project Lead for COPD Care and Education NS.

Middle row: Keirsten Wells, Advance Care Planning Facilitator; Jillian Demmons, Program Coordinator of INSPIRED, a partner program; Cory Goodine, RSW, MSW, Nicotine Support Counselor.

Bottom row: Kristen Goldsworthy, Manager, Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre; Dr. Stephanie Connidis, Provincial Medical Director of INSPIRED and partner programs.

Empowering patients through virtual COPD care

A unique, virtual education program dedicated to helping people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is reaching more people with COPD, earlier in their care journey.

The COPD Care and Education Program NS is designed for people who have mild to moderate COPD, or those who think they might have COPD and need testing and a diagnosis. The program team is focused on teaching patients self-management skills and making healthy lifestyle changes to live better with COPD.

The program launched as a virtual care model so that patients who previously faced barriers to in-person attendance can access the program from home, work or through telehealth at their local hospital. Read more....

COPD Self-Management Programs

COPD Care and Education NS

  • Who is the program for?
    • You think you might have COPD.
    • You need testing and a diagnosis.
    • You have a diagnosis of mild to moderate COPD.
    • You would like to learn self-management skills to live better with COPD.
    • You are thinking about making healthy lifestyle changes.
  • What services does the program offer?
    • Meet online with a Respiratory Therapist (COPD breathing educator).
    • Teaching how to use medication(s) and what to do when it is hard to breathe.
    • Meet online with an Advance Care Planning facilitator (counsellor).
    • Education about healthy lifestyle choices, self-management skills, exploration of quality of life, plan for the future, your goals and how to reach them.
  • What are the benefits?
    • You may be tested and diagnosed with COPD earlier.
    • You will be able to work with your health care team to self-manage COPD.
    • Create health goals and plan to reach them.
    • Create a personal Action Plan to treat COPD flare-ups and learn how to use it.
    • Explore Advance Care Planning and create a free, legal Personal Directive (PD).

INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program™

  • Who is the program for?
    • You have moderate to severe (very bad) COPD.
    • You would like to self-manage COPD.
  • What services does the program offer?
    • Meet with a Respiratory Therapist (COPD breathing educator).
    • Learn how to use medication(s) and and what to do when it is hard to breathe.
    • Meet with an Advance Care Planning facilitator (counsellor).
    • Facilitated discussion about Advance Care Planning.
  • What are the benefits?
    • Create a personal Action Plan to treat COPD flare ups and learn how to use it.
    • Create a free, legal Personal Directive (PD).
    • Peace of mind for making your wishes known.
  • Where can I learn more?