A COPD Action Plan helps you take care of your COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). You fill it out with your GP, specialist or nurse. It tells you what medicines to take every day to keep your usual COPD symptoms under control. It also helps you know what to do if you start feeling worse and when to see your doctor or call an ambulance. It’s important to review this plan with your GP, specialist or nurse regularly to make sure it’s still right for you. Here are 10 steps to help you use your COPD Action Plan.
Step 1: Fill out a COPD Action Plan with your GP, specialist or nurse
Ask your GP, specialist or nurse to fill out a written COPD Action Plan with you. You can download or print a blank copy of a COPD Action Plan here. To get started, it may help to talk about any past flare-ups you had. Share what happened in the lead up to the flare-up, what symptoms you felt, how it affected you, and what medicines you took
Step 2: Understand your plan
Make sure you know what each part of your plan means and how to use it. Ask your doctor or nurse if anything is unclear or if you have any questions.
Step 3: Follow the plan for your usual COPD symptoms
The green section of the COPD Action Plan tells you the steps to follow every day for your usual COPD symptoms Talk to your GP, specialist or nurse about how to manage your usual COPD symptoms. In the green section of the Action Plan, write down your daily COPD medicines, and when and how to take them. This is your plan for when you have your usual COPD symptoms.
Step 4: Keep track of your symptoms
Regularly note how you’re feeling and any changes in your symptoms. This helps you recognise patterns and respond quickly if things change.
Step 5: Use the plan to help manage flare-ups
Pay attention to how you feel. Know the steps to take if you notice your symptoms worsening.
The yellow section of the Action Plan can help you recognise the early signs of a flare-up. Your GP, specialist or nurse can write down any extra medicines they suggest you use if you are feeling unwell. The sooner you get treatment, the better you will recover.
The orange and red sections of the COPD Action Plan tell you what to do for worsening symptoms. It helps you know when to call your GP or when to call an ambulance for urgent help.
Step 6: Be prepared with extra flare-up medicines
Your GP, specialist or nurse may provide prescriptions for any extra medicines you need to take during a flare-up. Keep these medicines in a safe place near your COPD Action Plan. If you are travelling, remember to take your COPD Action Plan and extra medicines with you.
Step 7: Keep your plan handy
Always have your Action Plan with you or in a place where you can easily find it at home, like on the fridge. This way, you can quickly refer to it when needed. Read your COPD Action Plan regularly to remind yourself of the steps to follow for your usual symptoms and if your symptoms worsen.
Step 8: Review regularly
Review your Action Plan with your GP, specialist or nurse each year, or whenever you notice changes in your symptoms or after a flare-up. Always take your COPD Action Plan to doctor appointments or if you are admitted to hospital. Write the date when you update the plan with your GP, specialist or nurse on the Action Plan. Remember to throw away old versions of your Action Plan to avoid confusion.
Step 9: Get support
You can use the plan to keep a record of your symptoms, the medicines you use, and any changes in your health. Share this with your GP, specialist or nurse during appointments to help guide decisions about your care.
If you don’t have a current COPD Action Plan, click here and ask your health professional to complete it with you.