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Game of Chest - for Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The Problem

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the umbrella term for a number of chronic lung conditions and currently affects over a million people in the UK. As part of the treatment for COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation may be offered to some patients in a group setting with the aim of improving their health status.

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a coordinated programme of exercise, disease management training, and counselling that can help a patient to manage their illness more effectively. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes tend to be delivered by multi disciplinary teams, whereby an occupational therapist normally carries out a programme review at the end of the programme.

Whilst the end of programme review is a valuable part of the patient’s rehabilitation process, patients have in the past commented that they would prefer something a little more light hearted.

The Solution

The “Game of Chest”, is an innovative, non traditional approach to delivering and reinforcing self management strategies for managing COPD and other lung conditions, in a fun way. The game developed by two Occupational Therapists from Gateshead Primary Care Trust stimulates discussion, group interaction and the sharing of experiences.

The game takes approximately 45 minutes and is played in teams. The patients taking part in the game progress around the board whilst being asked questions relating to their condition, education etc.
 
The game is an effective method of summarizing the knowledge of the patients gained throughout the programme. It is particularly effective as it encourages patients to work as a team and helps them to interact and support one another both during the programme and once the programme is complete.

The Game of Chest addresses factors such as: -

• lifestyle
• the importance of exercise
• understanding the signs and symptoms of COPD exacerbation
• breathing exercise

The Game of Chest is available from NHS Innovations North priced £50. 

For further information please contact NHS Innovations North on 0191 5164400 or email enquiry@nhsinnovationsnorth.org.uk

27/Jul/2010

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