COPD exacerbations are a leading cause of emergency admission in older adults —...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an irreversible progressive respiratory condition that affects over 300 million people worldwide, with the highest burden in adults over 65. Characterised by chronic airflow limitation, breathlessness on exertion, chronic cough and recurrent acute exacerbations, COPD significantly impairs quality of life and is associated with high rates of hospitalisation, particularly during winter months and respiratory viral seasons.
Home care nurses managing patients with COPD must be competent in respiratory assessment — including monitoring oxygen saturation, respiratory rate and use of accessory muscles — and in supporting patients with inhaler technique, nebulised medication administration and supplemental oxygen therapy. Developing a written personalised action plan for self-management of early exacerbations, including criteria for when to start rescue medication and when to call for clinical help, is a key intervention that has strong evidence for reducing hospital admissions.
Pulmonary rehabilitation, even in a modified home-based format, significantly improves exercise capacity and quality of life for COPD patients. Mehermedics places respiratory-trained nurses with home health agencies that provide structured COPD management programmes, and facilitates access to remote pulmonary rehabilitation platforms where local services are unavailable.
