AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO RESPIRATORY MANAGEMENT FOR LONG-TERM-CARE PATIENTS

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition that incap acitates a person physically, psychologically, and socially. Most of t he supportive literature of respiratory care programs addresses nonins titutionalized patients. Many long-term care patients have relinquishe d much of their responsibility for self-care and health promotion. Pat ients often lack knowledge of the meaning of their disease, the role o f exercise, nutrition, smoking, and medication. These factors, coupled with long-term institutionalization, contribute to progressively incr easing disability. Our COPD program builds on the concepts of enableme nt and excess disability. A multidisciplinary team provides patients w ith the ''tools'' that allow them to take active responsibility for th eir health.