Current Request

We are requesting funding for the Epler Lung Research Fund to support several specific Internet-based educational programs to help individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Specific requests include funding for development of "COPD Town" including updating disease information, developing the COPD library, developing community forums, establishing a database program, and translating these programs into Spanish.

Background on COPD

Chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) is a killer. COPD is the 4th leading cause of death. COPD is characterized by obstruction of the flow of air as the air is expired from the lungs due to chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Cigarette smoking is the most common cause. There are of COPD for several years. There are two types. The first is chronic bronchitis. Cough with phlegm are initial symptoms. At first, there is no airflow obstruction, but as the inflammation of the airways and the cough continue, airflow limitation during expiration develops. This eventually becomes so limited that carbon dioxide cannot be eliminated and respiratory failure develops. Treatment consists of smoking cessation, oxygen if needed, bronchodilator inhalers for reactive airways, corticosteroid therapy for severe exacerbations, and pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise programs. The second type is emphysema. Shortness of breath with exertional activities is the first symptom. There is minimal or no cough. The shortness of breath is from destruction of the oxygen exchange units in the lungs called "alveoli". Eventually a sufficient amount of these alveoli are destroyed that respiratory failure develops. Treatment consists of oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation and exercise programs, and in certain situations, lung reduction surgery or lung transplantation.

Research Needs and COPD Educational Program Development

Although COPD is the 4th leading cause of death, answers to many questions about the cause and treatment of the disease are not yet known. New research has begun to unravel the characteristic steps in the formation of the airway inflammation of COPD. As a result of these studies, new treatments may soon be developed for testing. In the meantime, the Lung Fund is beginning to develop educational programs that will help individuals with COPD learn to successfully manage their disorder. These specific needs will include:

1. Develop the "COPD Town"
    a. Town manager and scribe
    b. Develop disease information about COPD
    c. COPD Town Library with annotated references
    d. Lung reduction surgery and lung transplantation         information
    e. Forums and discussion groups
        i. COPD
        ii. Lung transplantation
        iii. Ask Dr. Epler
2. Develop the database program
    a. Monthly question with answer choices
    b. Database of individuals with IPF including age,         length of symptoms, types of symptoms, x-ray         findings, pulmonary function test findings, length of         illness, response to treatment, recurrent episodes
3. Develop a video-based program and "Talking Head"     video of Dr. Epler
4. Translate these programs into Spanish

Program Evaluation Measures

1. Daily site visit information
    a. Number of "clicks" visits to the site
    b. Number of "unique visitors" to the site
    c. Average length of time at the site
    d. Most requested pages
    e. Number of visitors visiting the site more than 10         times
    f. Visitors by geographic location
    g. Most used browsers and source of search
2. E-mail information
    a. Number of e-mails
    b. Source of e-mail
    c. Geographic location
    d. Reason for e-mail
3. Program outcome information
    a. Consumer satisfaction
    b. Physician satisfaction
    c. Improved health before and after use of the program

Budget Needs for COPD Programs in 2007