Abstract

Background:
COPD is underdiagnosed in the UK, with areas like the Wirral showing higher-than-national average prevalence at 2.6% (1). The COMET project addresses this by integrating targeted diagnostics into primary care, leveraging the NHS Lung Cancer Screening programme.
Objective:
To identify high-risk individuals with undiagnosed COPD and provide timely spirometry, clinical assessment and interventions through community-based, dedicated nurse led services to reduce pressures on Primary Care capacity.
Method:
Patients flagged via Lung Cancer Screening with high symptom burden or symptoms along with evidence of emphysema on CT (computerised tomography) scans are invited to attend diagnostic spirometry in the Community Diagnostic Centre followed by a holistic clinical review in a local primary care centre for full assessment, intervention, and appropriate patient support.
Results:
Early implementation of this project demonstrates strong system engagement and collaboration across existing Primary Care Services to enable a high-risk patient population to be diagnosed earlier. COMET has already seen high patient uptake and alignment with NHS priorities such as Core20PLUS5 and extended access clinic appointments.
Over 2,500 patients are expected to benefit.
Conclusion:
COMET demonstrates how targeted, primary care-led diagnostics can improve early COPD detection, interventions and support for patients, offering a scalable model for national adoption within Primary Care systems.
References
1. Public Health Profiles: Public health profiles - OHID (phe.org.uk) NHS WIRRAL CCG - QOF Database