The American Lung Association is launching a new initiative to help the more than 16 million people in the US living with COPD manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Healthcare Navigation: The program connects patients with registered nurses and respiratory therapists who provide one-on-one guidance on treatment options, insurance coverage, and lifestyle changes.
- Measurable Improvement: Participants in the navigator program reported a significant decrease in symptom severity as measured by the COPD Assessment Test, according to the American Lung Association.
- Strategic Expansion: The initiative is targeting US states with high Medicare hospitalization rates, such as Alabama, Kentucky, and Michigan, to improve early diagnosis and patient support.
The American Lung Association (ALA) is launching a new initiative to help the more than 16 million people in the US living with COPD manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
COPD is a chronic, progressive disease that causes breathing difficulties and represents a major healthcare burden in the US. The average annual medical cost for a person with the disease is $16,000, compared to $6,000 for those without it. The disease results in 925,000 emergency room visits and 335,000 hospitalizations each year.
“COPD is a devastating disease that can impact the entire family by taking a toll on mental health and finances. Though there is no cure for COPD, treatments like supplemental oxygen, inhalers, and medication, as well as lifestyle changes, can help control symptoms and improve disease management,” said Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association, in a news release.
The program features:
- Free, one-on-one support from Lung Health Navigators, who are healthcare providers such as registered nurses and respiratory therapists. These lung health experts provide personalized support, guidance and resources to help people throughout their journey with COPD, including treatment options, when to seek a second opinion and help with navigating insurance coverage. Lung Health Navigators are available for phone calls, live online chat and video calls.
- Resources for healthcare providers to improve early diagnosis and COPD care, and build strong, trusting relationships with their patients. Lung Health Navigators, who are healthcare providers such as respiratory therapists and registered nurses. These experts offer personalized support via phone, video, or online chat to help patients understand treatment options, seek second opinions, and navigate insurance coverage.
- Proven Results. Patients who participated in the Lung Health Navigator program showed a decrease in symptom severity, as measured by the COPD Assessment Test in pre-post surveys.
- Expanding partner referral networks in communities where the COPD Medicare hospitalization rate is among highest, including in the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
- New educational content for people living with moderate to severe COPD and people going home from the hospital after an exacerbation. Topics include discussing symptoms with a healthcare provider, making necessary lifestyle changes, and understanding treatment options and how to access them, including biologics.
- The “Could It Be COPD?” questionnaire encouraging people at risk of COPD to speak with their healthcare provider about their symptoms and risk factors. COPD is underdiagnosed, and many people misattribute symptoms to aging or smoking history. Early detection is key to potentially preventing COPD progression and reducing symptoms.
According to the American Lung Association, patients who worked with a navigator showed a decrease in symptom severity. This was measured by the COPD Assessment Test, which showed an average score 2.9 points lower after completing the program.
“As a physician, I do everything I can to help my patients with COPD live their best, most active and fulfilling lives, but it is critical for people to have support, education, and accessible resources to help manage their disease on a daily basis,” said Bobby Shah, MD, board-certified pulmonologist at Cardio-Pulmonary Associates.
Support for the campaign was provided by Sanofi, Regeneron, AstraZeneca, and Genentech.
