19th November 2024
World COPD Day 2024: Advancing Patient-Centred Care Through a Multidisciplinary Approach
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common, preventable, and treatable disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Treatment aims to delay disease progression and manage symptoms. According to NICE, COPD is diagnosed based on typical clinical features supported by spirometry (CKS NICE, 2024). It is suspected in individuals over 35 years old with risk factors such as smoking or occupational exposure, and symptoms like breathlessness, chronic cough, and frequent lower respiratory tract infections.
The 2024 theme for World COPD Day, “Know Your Lung Function,” emphasises the importance of spirometry, a simple test that measures lung function and helps in the early diagnosis and management of COPD (GOLD 2024). Spirometry is crucial not only for diagnosing COPD but also for monitoring lung health throughout life, providing opportunities for early intervention and better management of the disease (GOLD 2025).
Delivering person-centred care in COPD involves tailoring treatment plans to the individual needs and preferences of patients. The Scottish Government (2024) highlights the importance of personalised care plans that consider the patient’s lifestyle, comorbidities, and social circumstances (GOV.SCOT 2024). The GOLD guidelines also emphasize the benefits of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach, which includes collaboration among various healthcare professionals such as general practitioners, respiratory specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and social workers (GOLD 2025). This collaborative effort ensures comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of the disease, from medical management to psychological support.
Over the years, the MDT approach has significantly improved the management of COPD. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes, which are a key component of the MDT approach, have been shown to improve exercise capacity, reduce symptoms, and enhance the quality of life for patients with COPD. Additionally, optimising inhaler techniques through patient education has led to better symptom control and reduced exacerbations. By integrating the expertise of different healthcare professionals, the MDT approach ensures that patients receive co-ordinated and continuous care, leading to better health outcomes and improved overall well-being.
Find out more about our Spirometry courses.
References
Clinical Knowledge Summary National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (CKS NICE) (2024). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Retrieved from https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) (2024). World COPD Day 2024. Retrieved from GOLD. https://goldcopd.org/world-copd-day-2024/
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) (2025). Global Strategy for Prevention of COPD. 2025 Report. Retrieved from GOLD. https://goldcopd.org/2025-gold-report/
GOV.SCOT. (2024). Respiratory Conditions – Quality Prescribing Strategy: improvement guide 2024-2027 . Retrieved from GOV.SCOT. https://www.gov.scot/publications/quality-prescribing-strategy-respiratory-guide-improvement-2024-2027/pages/8/
By Nikki Ofokansi, Pharmacist ACP, IP, ED, DPP
Clinical Associate for Education for Health