Respiratory Resources

Living with COPD can have an enormous impact on a patient’s quality of life. In this article Margaret Barnett looks at the various approaches available to help manage and support patients with breathlessness.

Margaret Barnett, RGN, MSc in Nursing Studies, COPD Dip. is a COPD Nurse Specialist, Team Lead, Estover Health Centre, Plymouth, Devon.

Article accepted for publication: August 2009

Acknowledgements: The author would like to thank Tony Fuqua Physical Exercise Instructor/Co-ordinator, Plymouth YMCA and Martha Clotworthy Physiotherapy Respiratory Clinical Specialist, South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust for help with this article.

Margaret Barnett describes the components of pulmonary rehabilitation, which can substantially improve the quality of life for patients with COPD and their carers

Margaret Barnett RGN, Dip COPD, MSc is a COPD Nurse Specialist, Plymouth NHS Teaching Trust.

Article accepted for publication: June 2010

Margaret Barnett summarises the 2004 and the new recommendations from the 2010 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Margaret Barnett RN, MSc, Dip COPD & Asthma is COPD Nurse & Specialist Team Lead, Plymouth NHS Teaching PCT

Article accepted for publication: November 2010