THE ROLE OF THE NURSE IN THE PREVENTION OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE AMONG THE POPULATION

Abstract

Introduction. The increasing number of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the burden of the disease are prompting a concerted effort to expand health care for these people. Such assistance is aimed at preventing and minimizing the number and severity of exacerbations and at preserving and improving the quality of life, which is accompanied by a reduction in costs, in particular, by avoiding the need for urgent hospitalization and visits to emergency departments.

The aim of the study – to evaluate the role of nurses in preventive measures aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The main part. The study was based on the analysis of scientific sources of information on the specified topic. For patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, effective treatment of exacerbations and, especially, prevention of hospitalizations are important. Medical care for such patients was usually medically oriented and limited to the person with the disease. In the chronic phase of the disease, this approach is particularly limited. Nurses who spend the most time at the patient’s bedside, caring for him and working with his relatives are best suited for this role.

Conclusions. That is why we believe that the first component of the model of chronic lung disease prevention should be nurses’ awareness of chronic lung diseases. Increasing this awareness can significantly contribute to the early detection of symptoms, which can ultimately lead to a reduction in the frequency of acute episodes and an improvement in patients’ quality of life. This is also important for increasing the efficiency of the work of medical institutions, reducing the burden on the medical system and optimizing the use of resources. In developing a nursing model of care and prevention for people with COPD, the concepts of self-management and palliative care, involving person-centred care and continuity of care, are common.