Purpose of the COPD Action Plan: Use of an action plan to self-treat a COPD exacerbation as soon as symptoms begin decreases the risk of hospital admission (ARR 5% at 6 months). See Action Plan
Briefly reviewing this concept, could also motivate the patient/family to request/follow an action plan (which is given to them by a physician).
When to use an Action Plan: Yellow level symptoms are: symptoms: A) increased shortness of breath for 2 days, or increased phlegm/sputum production for 2 days: B) Change in colour of sputum to green, yellow or rust.
Action: A) Take prednisone for 5 days B) Take an antibiotic (if prescribed).
Purpose of Asthma Action Plan: Use of an asthma action plan to self-treat worsening of asthma symptoms is associated with decreased hospitalization (RR 0.58) decreased ED visits (RR 0.78) and improved quality of life. See Action Plan
When to use an Action Plan: Yellow level symptoms are: shortness of breath, wheezing, daytime cough or chest tightness more than 3 x per week ; asthma symptoms at night or early am more than 1 x per week; use of SABA more than 3 x per week, limited physical activities.
Action: Either quadruple inhaled steroids or use budesonide/formoterol 12x per day as needed.
Note, the action plan would be provided by a physician, pharmacist or community RT, but by mentioning that this is something they could do, may help spark their interest as a tool that can help them.