To effectively educate patients with bronchiectasis about self-management and lifestyle modifications, you should provide a personalised self-management plan NICE CKS. This plan should offer information and advice on several key areas:
- Lifestyle: Include guidance on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation if applicable NICE CKS.
- Respiratory Physiotherapy: Ensure the patient has details regarding their respiratory physiotherapy and has been taught an airway clearance technique by a physiotherapist NICE CKS. If they have not, refer them to a physiotherapist NICE CKS.
- 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 NICE CKS.
- Rescue Medication: Advise them on when to take any rescue medication prescribed by a specialist NICE CKS.
- Contact Details: Provide contact details for the respiratory team NICE CKS.
Additionally, ensure patients understand their condition and know what to do if they experience exacerbations NICE CKS. Offer advice and support for smoking cessation to those who smoke NICE CKS. It is also important to offer immunisation against Streptococcus pneumoniae and seasonal influenza NICE CKS. Provide advice about sources of information and support, such as the British Lung Foundation, which offers a patient information leaflet on bronchiectasis NICE CKS. Ensure that the information provided is available on an ongoing basis, relevant to the stage of their condition, and tailored to their individual needs NICE NG115. Self-management plans should be reviewed at future appointments NICE NG115.