Guidelines to help frontline workers manage COPD published

New guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary Guideline Development Group

A new National Clinical Effectiveness Guideline to help healthcare professionals manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been published.

The move has been welcomed by Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly.

This new guideline was developed by a multidisciplinary Guideline Development Group supported by the HSE National Clinical Programme for Respiratory.

The guideline development group was chaired since 2020 by Dr Desmond Murphy, and previously by Professor Tim McDonnell.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the most prevalent respiratory disease in adults and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. At least 1,500 patients die each year of this disease and over 15,000 patients are admitted to hospital with COPD in Ireland.

COPD has considerable impact on the quality of life of the patient, families, and carers, involving ongoing medical care, frequent hospital admissions for treatment of exacerbations and often resulting in premature death.

The  development of this national clinical guideline for COPD is a major step forward in that it will ensure that COPD patients across the country receive consistent and standardised care, based on the best available evidence.

Supporting the publication yesterday (Wednesday), Minister Donnelly said: “I am pleased to endorse this National Clinical Guideline in relation to the Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) which will be implemented across the health service to help support safe, high-quality care for patients.

''COPD is the most prevalent respiratory disease in adults and has a huge impact on people’s quality of life and that of their family. This guideline outlines the best practice care and services for people with COPD or at risk of developing COPD. This guideline will help healthcare workers provide care based on the best available evidence.

''The guideline development has been informed by a full public consultation and reviewed by international experts and I acknowledge the work of all involved to make these guidelines available for patient care. I see the publication of this guideline as a further advance in improving the standard and consistency of care of patients with COPD across the country.”

Dr Desmond Murphy, Chair of the Guideline Development Group and Clinical Lead, HSE National Clinical Programme, Respiratory, commented that the NCEC document for COPD represents the culmination of a lot of work, by a lot of people to develop a framework to support the provision of optimal care for COPD patients in Ireland.

The document has been reviewed by multiple different elements within the Irish healthcare provider system and also by patient advocacy groups, with feedback incorporated.

Furthermore, it has been reviewed by recognised international experts in COPD.

“It is a pleasure to see the document launched. I believe this represents significant progress for patients with COPD in Ireland,” he said.

Dr Tony Holohan, Chief Medical Officer meanwhile added that the guideline has been quality assured by the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee in line with international best practice and has undergone public consultation and international expert review.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of all involved to make these guidelines available for patient care to further improve the management of COPD in Ireland.”