184645 - Clinical Audit: COPD - Managing the Symptomatic Patient

To review patient data to improve recommendations for patient care and outcomes in COPD

About 1 in 20 Australians aged 45 and over reported having chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2017-2018, according to self-reported survey data. The challenge for GPs is that even greater numbers than these are living undiagnosed in the community – as many as one in seven over the age of 40, due to challenges in diagnosis and overlap with other conditions like asthma.

To assist GPs in ongoing management of COPD, evidence-based guidelines have been developed that recommend regular assessment of disease severity, based on lung function, symptoms and exacerbation history. The COPD-X guidelines advise a stepwise approach to pharmacological treatment, incorporated with relevant non-pharmacological interventions to maintain good patient quality of life. By completing this clinical audit a GP will review their benchmark their current approach to patient COPD management against these best practice guidelines to improve their recommendations for patient care.

D1. Communication skills and the patient-doctor relationship

D2. Applied professional knowledge and skills

D3. Population health and the context of general practice

D4. Professional and ethical role

D5. Organisational and legal dimensions

• Adult health

GSK