COPD: clinical review

Content developed by MIMS Learning http://www.mimslearning.co.uk/

INTRODUCTION

This resource covers the aetiology and risk factors for COPD, simple interventions such as stopping smoking, and the value of pulmonary rehabilitation, plus pharmacotherapy.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After completing this module the general practice nurse should be better able to:

• Understand the significance of smoking as a causal factor for COPD and therefore be able to stress to patients the importance of smoking cessation
• Discuss which investigations are suitable for a patient with suspected COPD
• Consider the non-pharmacological management options for patients with COPD
• Understand and relay to patients the likely prognosis of this condition

AUTHOR

Activity author

Dr Nicholas Hopkinson, Reader in respiratory medicine and clinical lead for COPD at Royal Brompton Hospital; Clinical senior lecturer at Imperial College London; Medical adviser for the British Lung Foundation

Chairman of the British Thoracic Society specialist advisory group on COPD