Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone to acute respiratory exacerbations, which can develop suddenly or subacutely over the course of several days. Exacerbations have a detrimental effect on patients’ health status and increase the burden on the healthcare system. Exacerbations drive health status and contribute to disease progression and exacerbation prevention is a key goal of therapy in COPD. The majority of COPD exacerbations are triggered by respiratory viral infections and/or bacterial infections.
A number of pharmacological therapies exist that can prevent COPD exacerbations and reduce hospital admissions. Non-pharmacological interventions for exacerbation prevention include pulmonary rehabilitation, long-term oxygen therapy and home noninvasive ventilator support, though the evidence base for these is less well developed. Improved management of the acute exacerbation will also prolong the time to the next exacerbation event.
Aligned with National Clinical guidelines (the COPD X Plan) this course equips you with essential, patient-centred tools for optimising treatment and implementing preventive measures.
By completing this eLearning module, you will be able to:
- Outline a Stepwise approach to management of people with COPD to prevent exacerbations.
- Develop a plan of care for patients with COPD which supports optimal management towards minimisation of exacerbations.
This education package will take you approximately one hour to complete. Upon completion of the eLearning module, you will be able to access additional resources to support your learning and a self-guided clinical audit to help you identify people diagnosed with COPD in your care who have experienced an exacerbation in the last 24 months.