In this article the authors review current evidence and guidance for the treatment of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to bring up to date the Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS) consensus approach and algorithm first published in 2017 and then again in 2023 known as ‘Keeping it Simple’.
A multi-media tool to illustrate the impact of respiratory disease on other body systems. Press play and click the icons to learn more. Each section has an introduction in the top left icon.
For an inhaler to be effective, the correct drug must be prescribed and the device must be used correctly.
The Primary Care Respiratory Society (PCRS) recognises that short-term respiratory admissions can be reduced but not always entirely avoided. These admissions occur when patients require hospital-based stabilisation, diagnosis or treatment which is not otherwise available to them in primary care. In line with the 10-Year health plan for England: Fit for the future, PCRS supports patient care in the community and care delivered closer to home.
Since the publication of the Darzi Report and the new NHS 10-year Health Plan: Fit for the Future, there has been an increased focus on the delivery of Neighbourhood Health to reinforce integrated care and facilitate joined-up working between primary, secondary, community and social care.In anticipation of this new healthcare landscape, PCRS is working to place respiratory care, specifically chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), at the forefront of Neighbourhood Health delivery and use it:
My name is Russell Winwood; I’m 59 years old and have been living with severe COPD for the past 14 years. Nowadays I live very well with my COPD, but it hasn’t always been like this. My journey to this point has had its ups and downs; however, I have learnt that every step has been an opportunity to learn more about my disease. My breathless journey started when I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 10. So, it’s fair to say I have had a lifetime of experience of not being able to breathe like most people do
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable condition that remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The impact on patients, families and healthcare systems is huge, yet many exacerbations, hospitalisations and disease progression can be prevented if the fundamentals of care are delivered consistently, including early and accurate diagnosis.