COPD

Patients with COPD should have at least an annual review to assess lung function, monitor disease progression, and manage co-morbidities. This may include tests such as spirometry, pulse oximetry, and regular assessments of symptoms and exacerbations. Annual reviews help identify any changes in lung function, guide treatment adjustments, and improve overall health outcomes, enhancing the quality of life and reducing hospital admissions.

Annual care needs:

‍Annual COPD review

Rationale:

As a minimum, an annual review for COPD is essential to monitor disease progression, assess symptoms, and prevent exacerbations. It helps ensure optimal medication use, manage comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, and offer ongoing smoking cessation support. Regular reviews also provide an opportunity to evaluate lung function, adjust treatment plans, and improve the patient's quality of life, ultimately reducing hospital admissions and enhancing long-term health outcomes.

Ideally measurements including FEV1 and FVC, oxygen saturations and MRC dyspnoea scale should be taken and documented during these reviews – although it is recognised that availability of spirometry testing in primary care can vary by region. These care needs remain the responsibility of the reviewing healthcare professional to complete accordingly.

Guideline:

NICE Guideline 115: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management

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