The My COPD Hospital Stay Checklist is designed to help you understand your care while you’re in hospital for a COPD flare-up and to feel confident about what to do once you go home. When your breathing suddenly worsens, a hospital stay can be stressful and confusing. This checklist gives you, your family and your support people a simple way to track what care you should receive, what information you need, and which questions to ask before discharge.
The checklist guides you through the most important parts of COPD care. It helps you make sure you understand your condition, know whether you’ve had a spirometry test to confirm your diagnosis, and feel confident using your medicines and inhalers correctly. It also prompts you to ask about pulmonary rehabilitation, an exercise and education program proven to help you breathe easier, stay active and reduce your chances of future hospitalisations.
You’ll also be supported to check whether you were offered help to stop smoking or vaping, whether your vaccinations have been discussed, and whether your care team has talked with you about palliative care options, symptom support and advance care planning. These conversations help you make informed decisions about the care you want now and in the future.
Before you leave hospital, the checklist reminds you to make sure you have a discharge summary, that it has been sent to your GP, and that you have a follow-up appointment booked within seven days. It also guides you to ask for a COPD Action Plan so you know what steps to take if your symptoms worsen again.
By using this checklist, you can take an active role in your recovery. It helps you stay organised, understand your treatment, and know exactly what to do to stay well at home and lower your risk of returning to hospital.
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