Discussion Question 1
Discussion Question 1
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can benefit from care that is patterned after the chronic care model. The goal of this model is proactive management for the prevention of acute exacerbation. Achieving this preserves respiratory functioning for as long as possible to achieve optimal health thus reducing the costs of care (Nickitas, Middaugh & Aries, 2010). Under this model, preventive and promotive care is provided which includes vaccinations against respiratory diseases, smoking cessation, maintenance medications, and regular physical activity (Fromer, 2011). Care is also multifaceted and planned for the long term with coordination between different disciplines and levels of care. Following the first consultation, the patient is referred to a COPD coordinator who will oversee the care of the patient during the first year post diagnosis and beyond (Fromer, 2011). The coordinator will ensure that follow-ups are done every six months. The coordinator will also ensure that the patient receives education on the treatment plan as well as adheres to periodic primary care visits.
An advanced practice nurse (APN) can take on the role of COPD coordinator. The role entails liaising between the multidisciplinary health care team and the patient and his or her family (Damps-Konstanska et al., 2011). The APN further provides education on the various components of managing the disease and empowers the patient for self-management. As coordinator, the APN monitors maintenance pharmacotherapy to ensure controlled consumption and assesses the patient for holistic needs that include psychosocial, cultural, and socioeconomic (Damps-Konstanska et al., 2011; Ortiz & Framer, 2011). In addition, the COPD coordinator plans the patient’s care for the year and ensures he or she has appointments for primary care visits, home visits by nurses, and consultations with other professionals as needed. As lifestyle change is an indispensable component of the prevention of acute exacerbation, the coordinator also provides coaching towards greater compliance and evaluates the effectiveness of care with the patient (Ortiz & Framer, 2011).
References
Damps-Konstanka, I., Krakowiak, P., Werachowska, L., Cynowska, B., & Jassem, E. (2011). Role of nurse coordinator in the integrated care of patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Advances in Palliative Medicine, 10(1), 11-16. Retrieved from http://czasopisma.viamedica.pl/apm/article/viewFile/29340/24095
Fromer, L. (2011). Implementing chronic care for COPD: Planned visits, care coordination, and patient empowerment for improved outcomes. International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 6, 605-604. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S24692.
Nickitas, D.M., Middaugh, D.J., & Aries, N. (2010). Policy and politics for nurses and other health professionals: Advocacy and action. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Ortiz, G., & Fromer, L. (2011). Patient-centered medical home in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, 4, 3576-365. doi: 10.2147/JMDH.S22811.
