COPD: a guideline update

Practice Nurse

INTRODUCTION

The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 report represents a major revision of the 2022 report, with a new definition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a new assessment tool, and new information on the choice of inhaler device.

COPD is one of the top three causes of death worldwide, and many people suffer from the disease for years and die prematurely from it or its complications. The burden of COPD is projected to increase over the coming years because of continued exposure to COPD risk factors and population ageing.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

On completion of this module, you should have a better understanding of:

• Key changes in the GOLD 2023 report
• The symptoms of, and diagnostic criteria for COPD
• The ABE assessment tool
• GOLD’s recommendations for initiation of treatment and follow-up

This resource is provided at an intermediate level. Read the accompanying article, which provides further detail and management options, before answering the self-assessment questions, and reflecting on what you have learned.

Complete the resource to obtain a certificate to include in your revalidation portfolio. You should record the time spent on this resource in your CPD log.