You probably know that November is National COPD Awareness Month and that today is World COPD Day. There are so many ways that respiratory therapists can spread awareness but many of us don't wait for a special month or day. We're out there advocating for our COPD patients day in and day out. I salute all of you who are working so hard to make a difference in our patients' lives.
At the beginning of the month, the AARC gave a laundry list of things that respiratory therapists can do to raise awareness and educate others about COPD (http://www.aarc.org/headlines/14/10/copd.cfm). Today, the COPD Foundation launched its new patient community,
COPD360SOCIAL.
COPD360SOCIAL is an interactive community that provides an opportunity for persons diagnosed with COPD, their loved ones, healthcare providers, researchers, and anyone interested in learning more about COPD research to connect and collaborate. While it was only launched this morning, it already has an active discussion forum. RTs (and other healthcare providers) are welcome to join and engage in the discussions.
And don't forget to screen today! My goal is to screen 10 people with the DRIVE4COPD digital screener today. I challenge you to do the same. http://www.aarc.org/drive4copd/