A new NHS companion document outlines 45 best practice actions for the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. The two can be confused due to similar symptoms and it is hoped that understanding the similarities and differences will help doctors provide better treatment.
A key part of the new strategy is reducing the variation in COPD diagnosis and care around the country. COPD kills around 23,000 people per year, and if the new guidelines are followed across the NHS, it is estimated that 7,800 lives could be saved annually. The NHS currently spends £1 bn a year on COPD. It costs nearly ten times more to treat severe COPD than the mild disease, so improved diagnosis rates could also deliver significant cost savings. Commenting on the document, NHS chief executive Sir David Nicholson said: “There are an estimated three million people living with COPD in England, and we want to ensure that best practice is used to improve outcomes for those with COPD and asthma. We continue to improve our approach to COPD to one which is proactive and preventative and this document will give the NHS additional tools to follow the best practice in diagnosing, treating and managing the condition from its early stages.”
