Empowering patients through virtual COPD care

A unique, virtual education program dedicated to helping people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is reaching more people with COPD, earlier in their care journey.

The COPD Care and Education Program NS is designed for people who have mild to moderate COPD, or those who think they might have COPD and need testing and a diagnosis. The program team is focused on teaching patients self-management skills and making healthy lifestyle changes to live better with COPD. It is the sister program to the INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program, which supports patients and families with moderate to severe COPD to self-manage their disease and prevent unnecessary hospital visits.

The program launched as a virtual care model so that patients who previously faced barriers to in-person attendance can access the program from home, work or through telehealth at their local hospital.

“The virtual format has helped some of our patients who were hesitant about technology become comfortable using tools like Zoom,” said Keirsten Wells, an advanced care planning facilitator on the COPD education team. "We provided training on how to connect with us, took it step-by-step, and before long, we had first-time users confidently joining our online sessions."

One unique way Nova Scotians can access the program is through a partnership with Healthy NS (not to be confused with the YourHealthNS app), which offers many free online wellness programs. Anyone who has or suspects they have COPD can self-refer for the initial workshop, called COPD and You. From there, people with diagnosed COPD can join the care and education program and receive one-on-one appointments for more personalized care with a respiratory therapist, an advance care planning facilitator or a nicotine support counsellor. The content is tailored to each patient's specific needs and interests.

“It's about meeting the patient where they are, said Wells. "Some are more focused on learning how to properly use their inhalers, while others are interested in making lifestyle changes. We adapt to ensure it's a meaningful experience for everyone."

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients who were initially hesitant about the virtual format noted how the online classes have opened a door to accessing other healthy living programs through the same user-friendly platform. A program clerk begins with virtual care training sessions ensuring patients feel comfortable accessing services.

It gave me hope: Carol Ann O’Byrne

66-year-old Carol Ann O’Byrne started smoking at age 16. Knowing the risks, the Amherst resident tried numerous times to quit but struggled to break her addiction.

When O’Byrne started experiencing persistent shortness of breath, it was time to become more proactive about her health. After seeing an online advertisement for the COPD Care and Education NS Program, she requested a lung test from her doctor, which confirmed she had moderate COPD.

Intrigued, O’Byrne explored the online COPD workshop further. "I really didn't know a whole lot about it, so I clicked on the ad, and I signed up for the class," said O’Byrne. Little did she know this decision would prove transformative.

The COPD program connected O’Byrne with a wealth of resources and support. She participated in group sessions, led by program staff who provided valuable information about managing COPD. But the real turning point came when one of the program coordinators suggested O’Byrne participate in an exercise study at Acadia University.

Eager to improve her physical fitness, O’Byrne signed up for the twice-weekly online exercise classes. The program not only strengthened her body, but also her resolve. "I kept it up. I do it three times a week," she said. "The stronger your muscles are, the less stress you're putting on your lungs."

Beyond the physical benefits, the COPD program also equipped O’Byrne with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about her health. She met with Wells, a compassionate counsellor who helps explore healthy lifestyle choices and self-management skills. Together, they discussed O’Byrne’s quality of life, future goals and how to achieve them. This holistic approach makes COPD patients feel empowered and in control of the condition.

One particularly helpful aspect was the discussion around personal directives. O’Byrne and her husband completed their advance care planning and created a free, legal personal directive, ensuring their wishes are documented and respected.

"Keirsten really helped us drill down and think about all our wants and our definite no’s when the time comes,” said O’Byrne.

As she reflects on her journey, O’Byrne is filled with gratitude for the COPD education program and lessons she has gained. "The classes provided hope," she said.  

Her once-daunting lung issues now feel manageable, thanks to the resources and support she discovered through this life-changing service. By taking that first step to explore the COPD program, she has not only quit smoking (over one year and counting!) and improved her own wellbeing but has also inspired others to seek out the valuable resources available to them.

Photo top row: Jane Purcell, RRT/CRE; Andrea Audette RRT/CRE; Holly Kennedy, Project Lead for COPD Care and Education NS.

Middle row: Keirsten Wells, Advance Care Planning Facilitator; Jillian Demmons, Program Coordinator of INSPIRED, a partner program; Cory Goodine, RSW, MSW, Nicotine Support Counselor.

Bottom row: Kristen Goldsworthy, Manager, Bayers Lake Community Outpatient Centre; Dr. Stephanie Connidis, Provincial Medical Director of INSPIRED and partner programs.