Launch of National COPD Policy Action Plan to improve outcomes for people living with COPD in the UK
November 17th 2021 is World COPD Day, so it is very fitting that the National COPD Policy Action Plan is launched to coincide with this national focus. Have a look to see how the National COPD policy action plan will help us to focus on the national concerns and practical and exciting ways we can be instrumental in implementing change for COPD patients.
What is the National COPD Policy Action Plan?
It is an “Action Plan” that has been developed by representation from a broad range of our respiratory community, with a mutual drive and ambition to address the continued concern, that despite the overwhelming, economic, and personal burden of the disease, COPD remains a poor relation in reference to national recognition and prioritisation.
ARNS have been instrumental with PCRS, BLF, CPS and NPA in a comprehensive scoping project that reviewed the national data, to inform the discussion regarding continued disparity and poor outcomes for people with COPD. The emphasis has been to change this.
Why is it different to previous documents?
The “Action Plan” builds on the evidence and recommendations of previous data, with an emphasis on key priority ambitions for change that will influence policy at national level. It also highlights the necessity for this to have a collaborative approach, with key stakeholders working in the system with a grass roots approach.
What are the 3 key Ambitions for Change?
1: Accelerated early & accurate diagnosis.
2: Reduce clinical inertia and focus on prevention.
3: Minimise health inequality and variation in care.
How can I apply this to my clinical role?
1: Accelerated early & accurate diagnosis.
Be alert to those patients that present with symptoms of COPD and encourage them to seek a review with their healthcare provider.
Raise the profile in your working environment of the potential symptoms that may be an underlying non diagnosed COPD and socialise your knowledge and enthusiasm with your colleagues.
Make it an organsiational focus. Explore what skills, knowledge and understanding there are in the area that you work, regarding the symptoms of COPD, the risk factors, the high risk groups.
Focus on getting that timely diagnosis and explore opportunities to search for the high risk groups.
2: Reduce clinical inertia and focus on prevention.
Strive to dismiss the nihilistic approach that there is limited benefit for anyone with COPD regarding disease progression or symptom management.
Proactively engage with patients regarding their self-management, how to maximise their medication, activity and well-being to reduce the risk of exacerbation.
Ensure patients and colleagues understand the importance of recognising worsening symptoms and a way to respond, that is suitable for the patient.
3: Minimise health inequality and variation in care.
Explore any possible hurdles that the patients in your area may face getting access to health services.
Collaborate with local patient groups to gain patient focused opinion
Be your local champion for COPD and go and have a read of this innovative and practical document and plan how you can start to improve outcomes for people living with COPD in the UK.
View/download the National COPD Policy Action Plan.