Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties. It includes emphysema, which is damage to the air sacs in the lungs and chronic bronchitis, which is long-term inflammation of the airways.
COPD is a common condition that mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke or used to smoke. Most people with COPD do not have any obvious symptoms until they reach their late 40s or 50s.
It is estimated that a staggering 500,000 people in Ireland have COPD(1). However, it is estimated that of these people, only 380,000 people have formally been diagnosed with COPD2(2).
(1) “Burden of COPD in Ireland” report, Asthma Society of Ireland.
(2) Estimate based on data from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) and other sources - hospital discharge data, mortality data and national surveys.
How does the programme work?
- To be eligible for the programme, you must have a diagnosis of COPD, either by your GP or respiratory physician.
- Once you’ve been approved for the programme, you will be sent all the equipment you need – peak flow meter, blood pressure monitor – free of charge.
- You measure and record your lung function, blood pressure and heart rate once or twice a week using a specially designed app. You’ll need a smartphone or tablet to record measurements on the app.
- The Care-Connect team will monitor your recording and make recommendations if necessary.
- The Care-Connect nurses will work with you to manage your medications more efficiently at home, and will keep your GP and/or respiratory physician up to date on your condition.
Find out more about the programme and register your interest
here.
Care Programmes that give you more
If you have COPD, you’ve likely experienced waiting rooms and numerous GP or hospital visits. Here’s a few reasons why the COPD Programme could be more suitable for you and your lifestyle:
- Earlier and more frequent access to care, resulting in better health outcomes
- The peace of mind knowing your vital health measures can be closely monitored
- Less unexpected hospital visits delivering improved quality of life for you and your family
- Included on your Irish Life Health plan, at no extra cost
Find out more about the programme and register your interest here.
Available to Irish Life Health members aged 18+ on all hospital plans. This benefit is provided by Care-Connect and will be made available wherever Care-Connect can provide the service and where the requirements can be met on hardware and connectivity by the Irish Life Health member. Access and eligibility for the programme is subject to Care-Connect’s terms and conditions. Your GP or consultant must approve your suitability and you must also meet Care-Connect’s specified clinical indicators as set out in the Schedule of Benefits. Terms and conditions apply. To participate in this service we will review your past and current health insurance claims to help us understand the impact and cost effectiveness of the programme. See your Table of Cover and Membership Handbook for details.