COPD Education

[Ian123]

As the BLF provide a lot of information for those living with COPD this research into how information affects outcomes is interesting journals.plos.org/plosone/a...

[Hidden]

I did start to read this but it's one of the most uncommunicative piece of writing I've come across in a long time. Too repetitive, too much jargon, very badly written with no clear progression from beginning to end. Maybe it makes sense to the research team involved but to the average Jo/an soap, it's not very informative to say the least. Shame, because the subject matter is interesting.

[Ian123 in reply to Hidden]

Conclusions

In this cohort of urban individuals with COPD, low health literacy was prevalent, and associated with illness beliefs that predict decreased adherence. Our results suggest that targeted strategies to address low health literacy and related illness and medications beliefs might improve COPD medication adherence and other self-management behaviours.

Low health literacy die sooner in the study - education such as that provided by the BLF is an attempt at improving health literacy where living longer with a better quality of life provides the motivation.

[Hidden in reply to Ian123]

Ian 123, you should write their next report for them

Yes, I did glean that overall result and would agree with the findings. On the other hand, the longer I have my own particular illness, the more I learn about it and respiratory illnesses in general and sometimes I wonder if I mightn't be better off, ignorant of it all. It's also struck me several times that consultants aren't exactly overjoyed when patients are well- informed to the poin that they query their treatment. Hard to get the balance right .

[Ian123 in reply to Hidden]

Ignorance is bliss for some but learning a little gives choices that ignorance does not have. Consultants dont have to be overjoyed they only have a duty of care that should be met so the balance is where you choose. Finding a way of dealing with lung disease that is best for each individual is still a reasonable goal.

[Hidden in reply to Ian123]

I agree. IMO, this forum is a mine of information and speaking personally, I've learnt a huge amount about my illness ( and everybody else's illness) in the thirteen months I've been a member. The BLF website is terrific too but does everyone who needs it, know it exists ? I'm sure a big media campaign would be helpful but who would fund it ?

[Ian123 in reply to Hidden]

Funding is always a problem without austerity testing for other health conditions such as colesterol raises awareness.

The profile without support from the health service is not likely to change, routine breathing testing of lung function would be a nice start.

[Sokrackers]

I agree with Argana

I'm too confused to comment further

SK