World COPD Day presents a vital opportunity for healthcare professionals to update their understanding of COPD and ensure they are providing the best possible care for their patients.
According to Lung Foundation Australia’s recent Lived Experience Survey, there is more to be done to support COPD patients in managing this condition. COPD not only impacts physical health but also affects all aspects of a person’s life, from their daily activities to their mental wellbeing. 84% of people with COPD reported that their daily activities were impacted moderately or significantly, and 74% noted their mental health and wellbeing were also moderately or significantly affected.
At the same time, many individuals are using fewer strategies to manage their lung condition compared to 2020, and fewer feel confident in managing their COPD. This was not the case for survey-takers who engage with Lung Foundation Australia. They are more likely to use a range of strategies to manage their condition, underlining the importance of connection to trusted resources.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said these findings from the Lived Experience Survey are a call to action.
“Healthcare professionals must recognise the critical role they play in empowering people living with COPD. Staying up to date with the latest tools and standards means healthcare professionals can bridge the gap between managing COPD and living well with COPD.”
This stance aligns with the recent launch of the Australian Commission for Quality and Safety in Health Care COPD Clinical Care Standard on 17 October, a world-leading standard for patient care that Lung Foundation Australia recognise and commend the government for implementing.
When bed block and ramping are daily news many do not appreciate that COPD exacerbations are a leading cause of preventable hospitalisations in Australia. In 2020-21, an estimated $832 million was spent on COPD, and in 2023, it accounted for 50% of the total disease burden due to respiratory conditions in Australia. As such, well-managed COPD not only leads to better quality of life and fewer symptoms for patients, but also a reduced risk of hospitalisations that alleviates pressure on Australia’s healthcare system.
The COPD Clinical Care Standard is informed by the latest evidence from the Lung Foundation Australia COPD-X Guidelines, which is widely recognised as the cornerstone for COPD management in Australia.
The COPD-X Handbook is a practical guide designed specifically for healthcare professionals. It offers step-by-step, easy-to-navigate information, ensuring that best-practice care is accessible at the point of care. This mobile-friendly resource will help practitioners align their care with the newly established COPD Clinical Care Standards, ensuring that patients receive the best evidence-based, patient-centred care available.
“This year, significant strides have been taken to support healthcare professionals deliver best practice care for people with COPD. We urge healthcare professionals to take advantage of these live-changing resources available at their fingertips,” Mr. Brooke said.
For more information about the COPD-X Handbook and the COPD Clinical Care Standards, visit Lung Foundation Australia’s website.
For media enquiries please contact:
Deirdre McGinn, on behalf of Lung Foundation Australia
0411 208 408
deirdre@sabio.com.au