The COPDX Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Summary

THESE GUIDELINES are the outcome of a joint project of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand and the Australian Lung Foundation. The guidelines aim to:
■ effect changes in clinical practice based on sound evidence; and
■ shift the emphasis from a predominant reliance on pharmacological treatment of COPD to a range of interventions which include patient education, self-management of exacerbations and pulmonary rehabilitation.


These guidelines deal mainly with the management of established disease and exacerbations. However, this is only one element of the COPD Strategy of the Australian Lung Foundation, which has the long-term goals of:
■ primary prevention of smoking;
■ improving rates of smoking cessation;
■ early detection of airflow limitation in smokers before disablement; and
■ improved management of stable disease and prevention of exacerbations.

File link: The COPDX Plan: Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for the management of COPD.
File size: 653Kb
Type: Guideline
Date of Publication: 17 March 2003
Author Branch: Chronic Disease Management Office