Welcome to COPD-X (copdx.org.au), the official web publication of “The COPD-X Plan: Australian and New Zealand guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)”. Developed by the Lung Foundation Australia (LFA) and endorsed annually by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand (TSANZ), our website offers comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines and resources to support healthcare professionals in delivering optimal care for COPD patients.
COPD-X was first published in 2003 in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) and were initially based on the annual Global Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) COPD Guidelines. Since then, The COPD-X Plan has become a living document, updated by consensus every 3 months by a multidisciplinary group of clinicians. With representatives from disciplines including respiratory physicians, general practice, physiotherapy, pharmacy, and nursing, the COPD-X Guidelines Committee meet quarterly to ensures our comprehensive evidence-based clinical recommendations reflect the latest research and best practices for diagnosis, management, and treatment strategies for COPD. Across the spectrum of COPD care, our guidelines aim to provide a detailed discussion of the evidence and a clear summary of recommendations.
COPD-X provides detailed guidance on Case finding and confirming diagnosis, Optimising function, Prevention of deterioration, Development of care plans, and management of eXacerbations. The guidelines emphasize reducing risk factors, particularly through smoking avoidance and cessation, optimizing function with multidisciplinary care, improving treatment of comorbidities, and referring symptomatic patients to pulmonary rehabilitation. The stepwise management approach begins with one pharmacological intervention and evaluates response before adding another agent, while also emphasizing the importance of non-pharmacological therapy.
The guidelines are freely accessible via the LFA website in an easily searchable web-based format and as a PDF. They aim to advance clinical practice and standardize COPD care, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for people with COPD.
Whether you are a primary care provider, specialist, or hospital-based clinician, COPD-X is your go-to resource for the most current and comprehensive COPD management strategies.
Join our community of healthcare professionals dedicated to improving COPD management. Register for free updates to receive the latest evidence-based recommendations and guidelines.
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