PATIENTS WITH chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) live with many challenges. They'll be looking for information and support, so let them know about these online resources. These sites can provide patients with fact sheets, healthy-living guides, and support groups available in their area. Professional and family caregivers will also benefit from this digital content.
COPD Foundation
http://www.copdfoundation.org
This website has sections for patients, caregivers, family and friends, and healthcare professionals. Articles from the Foundation's patient magazine, COPD Digest, are available online. Visitors will also find information on how to sign up for COPD360social, a networking group designed to help patients ask questions, learn about upcoming events, and find other patients near them. Caregivers, friends, and family will find FAQs and healthy-living tips. Healthcare professionals can use this website to learn more about COPD, including current standards of care and recent studies.
CHEST Foundation
https://foundation.chestnet.org
The CHEST Foundation supports clinical research, patient education, and community service efforts benefiting patients with lung disease. Its website includes patient education resources, such as a guide to living with COPD, key facts about the disease, and a short downloadable screening tool for those at risk for COPD. Much of the Foundation's web content is also available for download in Spanish.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/copd
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) website provides easily digestible information about COPD, its risk factors, diagnosis, treatments, prevention, and more. NHLBI promotes the Learn More, Breathe Better campaign for men and women over age 45 diagnosed with COPD to raise awareness about the severity of COPD and available treatments. The website also provides information on how patients can become involved in a clinical trial.
American Lung Association
http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/copd
Direct patients to the American Lung Association website to learn more about finding social support in the form of Better Breathers Clubs. A COPD management tool helps patients discuss the disease with their primary care providers.