The Empowered Patient Programme (EPP) is designed to take a holistic approach to enabling wellbeing in our members. We have the support of the RESTART Respiratory Therapy Acute Response Team) in the south of the county who visit our Breathing Space groups regularly and give talks on various medical aspects of COPD. The nurses are also able to discuss any COPD related problems on a 1-1 basis.

What is COPD? Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) makes breathing increasingly more difficult. But it develops slowly over many years and you may not be aware you have it at first. Further information is available from the NHS.

What is Breathing Space? Breathing Space is a partnership between Northamptonshire Carers and professionals and is funded by Nene & Corby Clinical Commissioning Groups. We meet locally twice a month to bring together people with COPD, their Carers and health professionals to provide mutual group support whilst providing medical advice on COPD. This advice ranges from how to manage your condition, how to access other services and reducing loneliness which can often be a by-product of long term health conditions.

The Empowered Patient Programme

The groups provide a wealth of information as it is well know that COPD has an impact in many different areas of health and wellbeing and can have an impact on loved ones or Carers. 

The Empowered Patient Programme is a rolling programme over 6 months. 

These are the modules that are delivered within the Breathing Space groups:

1. What is COPD

2. How do my lungs work

3. How to use inhalers

4. How to manage my breathlessness

5. Managing my exacerbations

6. What shall i do if i feel i have a chest infection?.

click the links below for further information for you to access about related topics.

Inhaler techniques and medications	The lungs and COPD
Management of Exacerbations	Relaxation Techniques
Role of ROCKET & RESTART	Sleep Hygiene
Breathing techniques, control and management of anxiety	Getting Active
Exercise and Pulmonary Rehab	Smoking Cessation
Home Oxygen Service	Looking after our Carers

This online Expert Patient Programme is designed to complement the groups which are also able to provide friendship, peer support, a light lunch and friendship. The groups are also attended by a host of expert speakers, some of which can be seen here.

Our Breathing Space groups are continuing to provide support throughout the coronavirus pandemic, albeit virtually. Click here for further information.

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