How can I effectively educate patients with bronchiectasis about self-management and lifestyle modifications?

To effectively educate patients with bronchiectasis about self-management and lifestyle modifications, you should provide a personalised self-management plan ¹. This plan should offer information and advice on several key areas:

• Lifestyle: Include guidance on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation if applicable ¹.
• Respiratory Physiotherapy: Ensure the patient has details regarding their respiratory physiotherapy and has been taught an airway clearance technique by a physiotherapist ¹. If they have not, refer them to a physiotherapist ¹.
• Exacerbation Recognition: Educate patients on how to recognise the early signs and symptoms of an infective exacerbation, when to seek help, and with what urgency ¹.
• Rescue Medication: Advise them on when to take any rescue medication prescribed by a specialist ¹.
• Contact Details: Provide contact details for the respiratory team ¹.

Additionally, ensure patients understand their condition and know what to do if they experience exacerbations ¹. Offer advice and support for smoking cessation to those who smoke ¹. It is also important to offer immunisation against Streptococcus pneumoniae and seasonal influenza ¹. Provide advice about sources of information and support, such as the British Lung Foundation, which offers a patient information leaflet on bronchiectasis ¹. Ensure that the information provided is available on an ongoing basis, relevant to the stage of their condition, and tailored to their individual needs ². Self-management plans should be reviewed at future appointments ².