COPD

Over the course of the last year a total of 14 practices across Leicestershire have been participating in our COPD audit.  Thus far, 10 of the 14 practices have completed the audit.

The PCAG identified COPD as a key initiative owing to a number of reasons. First, there is evidence to show that COPD remains under diagnosed, with many patients unfortunately being inappropriately labelled and treated as asthmatics. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that COPD accounts for more GP consultations per year than asthma.

In December 1997, the British Thoracic Society (BTS) released guidelines for the treatment of COPD.

The COPD audit is fully compatible with the BTS Guidelines.  By working in conjunction with Innovex UK Ltd, practices who undertake the audit are supported by a COPD nurse advisor who helps practices establish an accurate COPD register, audit patient records and provide training and education in COPD management and spirometry.