Optimizing Self-management COPD Treatment Through the American Lung Association Helpline

The self-management education condition is based on the Living Well with COPD program. The program consists of a mailed booklet and structured phone counseling delivered by certified COPD educators. Topics include disease information, breathing retraining, action planning, medication use, energy conservation, and following good health habits. The short condition consists of two calls (30-45 minutes each) to introduce patient education topics and refer to the booklet for further information.

Participants randomized to this condition will be mailed a pedometer (3DFitBud Simple Step Counter) and instructed on its use to establish baseline steps/ day for 7 days. They will then receive a booklet with instructions to establish a walking program and three brief (10-15 minute), bi-weekly calls from a trained staff member to review step count values and engage in setting personal activity goals over the course of 6 weeks, following established exercise guidelines for individuals with COPD.

Participants randomized to this condition will receive two sessions of inhaler technique education using a virtual teach-to-goal (TTG) method in which individuals are observed using their inhaler, provided feedback, and then observed again.

Participants randomized to this condition will identify an informal caregiver who is involved in their healthcare (i.e., spouse, family member, or friend), who will receive a mailed copy of the Respiratory Health Association's COPD Caregiver's Toolkit, a comprehensive informational resource to support the care of the person living with COPD. Caregivers will receive two brief (10-15 minute) check-in calls from a trained staff member. The structured content of these sessions will include providing an overview of toolkit content, identifying goals for sections(s) to review and incorporate into caregiving activities, and addressing any questions.

The self-management education condition is based on the Living Well with COPD program. The program consists of a mailed booklet and structured phone counseling delivered by certified COPD educators. Topics include disease information, breathing retraining, action planning, medication use, energy conservation, and following good health habits. The long condition consists of five, weekly calls (30-45 minutes each) following a structured curriculum of patient education topics.