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Background Self-management support (SMS) for patients with COPD can improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, it remains unclear what SMS strategies are most effective. Using peer support to advance self-management is promising, as peer supporters possess credibility and can serve as role models. Methods We conducted a single-blinded RCT comparing the effectiveness of two strategies to support patients with COPD. The strategies were ‘Health Care Professional (HCP)’ and ‘HCP Plus Peer’ support. Peer support was provided by patients with COPD who have stopped smoking, completed an acute pulmonary rehabilitation program, and met the requirements for becoming a peer supporter. We enrolled patients receiving treatment at inpatient and outpatient settings. Patients were encouraged to invite one family-caregiver to enroll with them. The primary outcome measure was the change in HRQOL at 6 months post enrollment. Secondary outcomes included COPD-related and all-cause hospitalizations and ED visits. Caregiver outcomes included preparedness for caregiving, caregiver stress, and coping. Results A total of 292 patients as well as 50 family-caregivers were enrolled. The average patient age was 67.3 yrs. (SD 9.4), 61% were female and 26% were African-Americans. The majority of caregivers were females (68%) and were a spouse/partner (58%). Discussion This study tested a dual strategy for providing support to patients with COPD that incorporates peer and health care professional support. The study had minimal exclusion criteria. If shown effective, the study offers a program of peer support that can be readily implemented in health care settings.

In this chapter, I propose that there is nothing funny about writing comedy—and that those who can manage it are often as mystified about it as those who may either admire or envy them or wish to emulate them. There are no rules—in fact a lack of rules often helps—but an edgy discipline, a lucky instinct, a hard-learned knowledge of theatre and more than a modicum of psychology are required. I have, of course, avoided teaching the tricks of comedy (because there are none) and, instead, I have journeyed back through my life, which (luckily) began with me inheriting an instinct for comedy. Since then, almost unbeknownst to myself, I have followed my hunger for exploring the multi-uses of comedy—from darkness, to frothy lightheartedness, to knockabout hysteria, to biting satire, to pantomime and burlesque. In the voices of those I have befriended along the way and in the reported theories of those whom I only saw on stage, I have outlined the way in which many practitioners in comedy also puzzle their way through explaining their gift, their task, their ambition. And my hope is that the reader may partake of all these journeys and, while travelling on their own particular Camino, perhaps solve a few joyful mysteries along the way.

The continuous glucose monitor market is just starting to develop. Current trends in the availability of diabetes information tools highlight the need for standard data presentation for continuous glucose monitors. These trends and their implications are discussed. This article proposes a set of standards for blood glucose data presentation. If device manufacturers adopt these standards, they will ensure that their continuous glucose monitors meet both the short-term and the long-term needs of users. This should increase the demand for these monitors and enable future device developments that appeal to a wider range of users.