New Resource Aims to Prevent Unnecessary ER Visits and Hospitalizations from Chronic Lung Disease

Today, the American Lung Association and National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) announced the release of a new guide that may improve the quality of life and reduce emergency department visits and hospitalizations for those living with advanced lung disease. The “Advanced Lung Care Patient and Caregiver Guide,” is a home care resource to help people with chronic lung disease and their caregivers learn and practice skills to prevent or manage some respiratory symptoms at home while under the care of their medical team.

Chronic lung disease can be a tremendous burden for people living with the disease and their families. In 2016, there were more than 2 million emergency department visits and more than 650,000 hospitalizations due to COPD, which is one of the most prevalent chronic lung diseases. COPD also costs the healthcare system more than $50 billion a year – mostly due to ER visits and hospitalization.  The goal of this guide is to help patients learn and practice strategies aimed to reduce or prevent unnecessary medical visits and support them at home, depending on preference and medical need.

“We know it can feel overwhelming at times when a person or family member has severe lung disease. That is why it was so important to us to work with NPHI to develop and share this guide, which serves as a reference to the many questions and concerns people with lung disease and their families have,” said Deb Brown, Chief Mission Officer for the American Lung Association. “An important part of living with chronic lung disease is finding the right support, both for the patient and the caregivers. The American Lung Association is committed to supporting those living with chronic lung disease. Whether you have COPD, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease or another type of chronic lung disease, this guide will help you learn new home care strategies to manage symptoms.”

The “Advanced Lung Care Guide” represents the best standards of care for lung disease in a home setting, as defined by the American Lung Association with the collective input of over 90 advanced illness and hospice care organizations. This resource is for people experiencing severe symptoms from chronic lung disease, which includes chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary hypertension and lung cancer.

“Millions of Americans every day who are coping with end-stage lung disease face repeated rushed trips to Emergency Rooms and frequent hospitalizations. This huge stress on them and their loved ones may occur less frequently thanks to the new collaboration between the American Lung Association and NPHI Member Organizations nationwide,” said Tom Koutsoumpas as CEO of NPHI. “Our members provide in-home comprehensive care for all forms of lung disease among our many advanced illness care options. Most care is covered by insurance—but if not, we turn no one away regardless of ability to pay.”

The free guide includes tips for symptom management and self-care, medications, diet, advance care planning and more. It is available to people living with chronic lung disease and their caregivers and families here.