The self management plan enable the patient and clinician to help establish the persons normal symptoms’ and also document normal ranges of oxygen saturation.
The main body of the plan follows a simple traffic light system enabling the person to identify if things are going well and more importantly help recognise when their health deteriorates. It also gives information on key signs and symptoms to be aware of that may mean more urgent/emergency care is required.
Lastly the plan lists the patients current medication. Rescue medication the patient may be prescribed, detailing how it should be used. Current oxygen prescription can be documented if appropriate.
The plan also allows the patient to document their exacerbation history. This is helpful as an aid to discussion with their health care professional, so together there respiratory history can be reviewed and may prompt discussion on reasons for exacerbations.
The self management plan is not designed as a stand alone tool, but a plan to be used with the patient’s family, carer and visiting health care professional.