Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a review about patient education

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Copd) is among the main cause of death worldwide. The disease prevalence is about 10%, increasing to 20% in some places in world. In Brazil, about seven million adults suffer from the disease. In this this review it was assessed the relationship between the patient education, with the increase clinic outcomes and, with the life quality. It was reviewed abstracts of life sciences and biomedical topics of Pubmed, and the papers published in Scielo and Cochrane until 2012. The keywords used were "copd", "patient education", "adherence" e "quality of life". We found 4098 articles and were selected 22. The deficiencies observed in the performance of inhalation technique lead to difficulties in controlling the disease, resulting in hospitalizations and expenditures for the health system. The self-management educational programs that guide the patient about the disease, such as inhalation technique and the risks of smoking, have positive effect on quality of life and treatment adherence. Patient instruction also reduces the amount of drugs dispensed and the cost benefit of education was favorable compared with direct and indirect costs generated by the disease. Patient education about Copd, its management and treatment, is related to increase clinical outcomes and quality of life...