The use of action plans helps COPD patients recognize symptom changes, implement self-care and self-initiate a customized prescription (antibiotics & oral steroids) in the event of an exacerbation. Self-management education programs with a written action plan that includes standing prescriptions with combination therapy (SFP) in the event of an exacerbation may be promising in reducing the use of prednisone in AECOPD, the conventional treatment.