People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can use a new app on their phone aimed at giving them confidence and control over their long-term respiratory condition.

‘myCOPD’, funded by NHS England, has already been rolled out to support people with COPD in the east of Cornwall and is offered through the community-based respiratory nurse specialist teams.

It provides the most up-to-date advice from experts in the field of COPD, showing how to manage the condition properly. Users can follow videos to help perfect their inhaler technique and get expert education on their condition and online pulmonary rehabilitation at home.

Tamar Valley Health practice, which includes Callington Heath Centre and Gunnislake Health Centre, is leading the way in offering the app to people with the long-term condition.

The app also contains sections on rehabilitation, information on breathing techniques, relaxation and mindfulness. The patients can keep a check on their COPD over time and have information provided by experts at their fingertips when they are starting to struggle.