Stepwise Management of Stable COPD and Inhaler Chart

The Stepwise Management of Stable COPD resource from Lung Foundation Australia is a concise two-page clinical reference tool designed to support healthcare professionals in applying a structured, evidence-informed approach to COPD management. Together with the accompanying Stepwise Inhaler Chart for COPD, it provides a practical at-a-glance guide to both the treatment pathway and the PBS-subsidised inhaler devices available at each step.

Why use the Stepwise Management of Stable COPD resource?

Managing COPD effectively requires consistent application of best-practice care across every stage of the condition. This resource brings together the full management pathway in a single reference, from the non-pharmacological essentials that apply to all people living with COPD, through to long-acting inhaler therapy, ICS combinations, and specialised therapies for complex clinical scenarios. It is aligned with the COPD-X clinical practice guidelines and designed for use in primary care, respiratory medicine, and pharmacy settings.

Key features of the Stepwise Management of Stable COPD PDF

• A clear visual overview of the essentials of COPD care, including vaccinations, smoking cessation support, exercise and physical activity, nutrition, inhaler technique and adherence, a COPD Action Plan, pulmonary rehabilitation, and regular review.
• A stepwise inhaler therapy algorithm moving from monotherapy bronchodilator through dual therapy to triple therapy, with guidance on indications for ICS combinations.
• Evidence-based guidance on regular review timing, including within four to twelve weeks of any change in treatment or clinical status.
• A comprehensive Stepwise Inhaler Chart for COPD covering all PBS-subsidised inhaler devices that align with COPD-X guidelines, including PBS item codes and 60-day prescription codes.
• Dosing, delivery, and inhalation technique icons for each device to support counselling and prescribing decisions.
• A clear safety warning regarding the concomitant use of SAMA and LAMA.

Practical applications for clinicians

This resource is well suited for splay in consulting rooms, use during patient consultations, and inclusion in practice-based COPD management resources. The inhaler chart supports prescribing decisions by presenting only devices that are both COPD-X aligned and PBS-subsidised for a diagnosis of COPD, helping clinicians minimise inhaler device polypharmacy and improve adherence.