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Guidebook Subsections
Resources and Support Groups for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
In this section of the MediFocus Guidebook, you will find a valuable directory of resources, organizations, and support groups which you can use to obtain additional information about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Many of these organizations and support groups are in the business of helping patients and their families by:
- Enabling patients to network with other people who have the same condition and share their experiences, including tips and suggestions for better coping with the condition.
- Providing information about physicians and other healthcare professionals across the U.S. and other countries who specialize in the management and treatment of the condition.
- Providing information about new, experimental "cutting-edge" treatments currently under investigation in clinical trials, including eligibility requirements and participating hospitals and medical centers.
- Providing information about social and psychological support services for patients and their families to help them to better cope and improve their quality of life.
The listings in this section include information about specific disease organizations, support groups, and complementary (alternative) medicine resources. For each listing in this section, the following information is provided:
- Name of the organization
- Location (physical address)
- Telephone and fax numbers
- E-mail address
- Website address
By contacting the various organizations and support groups listed in this directory, you will be able to:
- Network with other patients who have the same condition and share your experiences.
- Find physicians and other healthcare professionals in your area who specialize in the treatment and management of the condition.
- Learn about novel experimental treatments for the condition that are under investigation in clinical trials, including information about participating hospitals and medical centers.
- Learn about specific social or psychological support services that may be available in your area for patients and their families who are affected by the condition.
- Learn about complementary and alternative medicine treatment modalities (e.g., acupuncture; traditional Chinese medicine; homeopathy, chiropractic) that are being used to manage patients with the condition.
