The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Program

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition which prevents the lungs from functioning properly. The airways in the lungs become obstructed. Pulmonary obstructive diseases include: chronic bronchitis (damaged lungs produce excess mucous), emphysema (lung passages lose their flexibility to push air out), and chronic asthma (airway passages remain inflamed and constricted). A patient with COPD may experience coughing, increased mucous in the airways, shortness of breath, and wheezing. A major cause of COPD is smoking.

The COPD Program consists of a trained team including:

• Pulmonologists
• Your primary care physician
• Respiratory therapists
• Clinical support staff

Our Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Program:

Level I:

The one-session, COPD Basics Class is open to all COPD patients and offers members the opportunity to:

• Learn about the COPD disease process
• Learn how to seek early intervention to prevent complications
• Learn techniques for better breathing and relaxation
• Learn how and when to use an inhaler and AeroChamber
• Review medications
• Learn the benefits of exercise

Level II:

The goal of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program is to help patients improve self-management skills. Patients learn techniques for better breathing, benefits of exercise, and correct use of the fully-supervised gym in a 12-session class.

To enter this program, patients must be referred by a Pulmonologist and able to:

• Participate in an exercise program (treadmill, stationary bike, free weights, and arm ergometer)
• Walk/stand without human assistance for 20 minutes (using a walker is OK)
• Understand and follow simple instructions
Patients must not smoke and meet one of the following requirements:
• Forced expiratory volume less than 60%
• A recent COPD-related ER/hospital visit

The goal of the COPD Case Management Program is to help patients better manage COPD through education, medication adjustment, and case management. This is achieved by creating a personal plan, teaching patients how to breathe and exercise properly, monitoring medication, and giving patients the opportunity to participate in our 12-session, Pulmonary Rehabilitation Classes.

Shirley Gilotti RN, MSN, and her Pulmonary Rehab Maintenance Class with Carrie Elliot assisting.

What You Can Do?

Follow "Best Practices" (high-quality treatment recommendations) to reduce your chances of having Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease:

• Quit smoking

As a Kaiser Permanente member, you may:

• Members may enroll in our single-session no co-pay COPD Basics Class.
• Members may enroll in our Smoking Cessation Class
• Be asked to participate in a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program facilitated by respiratory therapists and nurses
• Work with a care manager, who will help you improve self-management skills (Level II - COPD Case Management Program)
• Contact your primary care physician to discuss if the Level II Pulmonary Rehabilitation or COPD Case Management Program is right for you.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Information:

• Eating Well For Those With COPD
• Exercising For Those With COPD
• More About COPD
• Quit Smoking

Resources

• American Lung Association