The COPD Action Plan from Lung Foundation Australia is a tool designed to help individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) manage the early signs of a flare-up (exacerbation), reducing the risk of severe exacerbations.
Why use a written COPD Action Plan?
The primary purpose of a written COPD Action Plan is to help people living with COPD recognise their baseline symptoms and understand exactly what actions to take if their condition worsens. It encourages the regular monitoring of daily symptoms such as breathlessness, cough and sputum (phlegm). This can be used to help identify the early signs of a flare-up (exacerbation) so that appropriate measures can be used to manage these symptoms early, before it gets worse.
Key features of the COPD Action Plan PDF
- “Traffic light” symptom recognition (Green, Yellow, Red zones).
- Personalised exacerbation management steps.
- Prompts for review.
Practical applications for patients and clinicians
For those managing COPD at home, this shared-care tool should be personalised in close consultation with a healthcare professional, such as a GP, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, or ACCHO worker. A completed PDF should include details regarding your usual symptoms, current medications, and emergency contacts. It also outlines specific steps to take during an exacerbation, such as increasing the use of reliever medications, starting a course of antibiotics if an infection is suspected, and seeking urgent medical advice if symptoms do not improve.
Download your COPD Action Plan template today
In conclusion, the COPD Action Plan PDF template is an essential tool for anyone living with chronic lung disease. It provides clear and practical advice to help manage exacerbations effectively, promoting better lung health and overall well-being. Take action today to improve your quality of life and manage your COPD more effectively with our comprehensive range of support materials.
Click here for the COPD Action Plan RTF template for rich-text format (RTF) file:.
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