Why is this important for you?

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the fifth most common cause of death in the UK and accounts for 25,000 deaths in England and Wales. It was estimated that in 2010, in the UK, there were around 900,000 people diagnosed with COPD, however a significant number of people (3 million) remain undiagnosed. COPD can result in disability and adversely affect a patient’s quality of life. Pharmacists can support patients with COPD by ensuring that they understand how to use their medicines, providing advice on how to best manage exacerbations, offering lifestyle advice and signposting to specialists if necessary.

This guidance provides you with summary of the condition, its causes and how it differs from asthma. It also provides information about how you can support patients with COPD, enable them to effectively self manage their condition and get the most from their medication.

Who needs to read this?

All pharmacists who are involved in delivering services and providing care to patients with COPD.

Click here to view the quick reference guide »