This study focuses on a program called My Lung Health Coach (MLHC) designed to support people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in managing their condition. The program is virtual, meaning participants connect online with certified respiratory educators for personalized education and support. It aims to provide individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to manage their COPD better, including advice on medications, physical activity, mental health, and more. This kind of support can help improve the quality of life for those living with COPD by offering guidance and resources that are often difficult to access. Participants in the study will engage in this program through the Epic Care Companion app, allowing them to track their progress and manage their health more effectively. The program lasts for 12 weeks, during which participants have multiple sessions with health educators. These sessions cover various aspects of COPD management, including breathing techniques and symptom monitoring. The integration with the app helps participants stay organized and communicate easily with their healthcare team, potentially leading to better health outcomes.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Must be deemed to have capacity to provide informed consent; 2. Must sign and date the informed consent form; 3. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures; 4. Be diagnosed with COPD as per a WCH Respirologist 5. Be 40 years or older 6. Be a current or ex-smoker 7. Preferred but not required: have a history of at least 1 COPD exacerbation (requiring prednisone or antibiotic use, or an urgent healthcare visit of any kind) in the previous 12 months Exclusion Criteria: 1. Experienced a COPD exacerbation in the 4 previous weeks to study enrollment 2. Co-diagnosis of asthma by a WCH Respirologist 3. Significant co-morbidities that could interfere with program participation or terminal illness 4. Unwilling to download and use the Epic Care Companion app and has a unsuitable mobile device to do this 5. Pregnancy
is designated in this study