Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: diagnosis and management: summary of updated NICE guidance

There are 1.3 million people in the UK with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the condition is responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality.1 COPD is also a common cause of hospital admission. NHS England has now recognised respiratory disease as a priority area in the Long Term Plan,2 but Royal College of Physicians COPD Audits3 identify substantial deficiencies across the healthcare system, including marked under-provision of pulmonary rehabilitation, flu vaccination, and smoking cessation treatment.

This article summarises the most recent recommendations from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).10 The updated areas are mainly concerned with the management of stable COPD and include self management and education, assessment for lung volume reduction procedures, and home oxygen use. This article focuses on the newly updated sections, with reference to older recommendations where they are particularly important or needed for context.

Effective COPD management pathways require an integrated approach across primary and secondary care and involve a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. The guidance focuses on the need to ensure that good quality care is delivered wherever patients are seen. Specialist care, whether delivered in a hospital or community setting, may be indicated for people …