Explore our COPD patient guidance and further information.
What will I need?
In order to use the COPD service, you will need access to:
- A smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC
- A broadband or Wi-Fi internet connection
- A CHSS traffic light card - your written self management action plan
- A pulse oximeter (optional)
Your doctor or nurse will tell you about the Inhealthcare service and discuss whether you need to use a pulse oximeter for recording your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).
Please note - your doctor or nurse will have access to the responses you submit to Inhealthcare, but they will not be monitored regularly.
What questions will the service ask?
Each day, you will be asked to complete a symptoms questionnaire, first this asks how you are feeling today and then (if you are feeling worse than usual) asks specific questions about your breathlessness, cough, sputum, and chest tightness. You may also be asked to record your SpO2 each day.
Each month, you will be asked to complete a COPD Assessment Test (CAT), which helps measure the impact COPD is having on your well being and daily life.
Monitoring changes in your symptoms, SpO2 and CAT scores over time will help to give you a better understanding of how well controlled your condition is and to discuss any changes in your management with your respiratory team.
What does the service do with my results?
The Inhealthcare system reviews your responses and readings and will provide immediate feedback and advice to help you manage your symptoms, in line with the CHSS traffic light system. If any of your responses suggest that you need medical attention, you will be advised to seek medical attention yourself in the usual way.
Your doctor or nurse will be able to see your responses and track them over time. If your responses are potentially a cause for concern, your doctor or nurse will be notified, but may not have the opportunity to review them for some time.
What else should I know?
We hope you will find the Inhealthcare COPD Self Management service enjoyable to use and that it will help you to understand your COPD and manage your symptoms. However, if you do not find the service helpful, you can opt out at any time, by using the Opt Out task on your app or the patient portal.
