In response to the Department of Health’s (DH) new guidance on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, Dr Kevin Stewart, clinical director of the Royal College of Physicians’ (RCP) Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit, said:
We welcome the new national guidance for COPD and asthma. The RCP is pleased to see that the best practice actions detailed in the companion guidelines are evidence-based, draw upon care currently delivered around the country, and focus on ensuring the best care for patients with respiratory conditions.
The RCP looks forward to the forthcoming national COPD audit which will help clinicians implement the highest standards of care in hospitals and in the community.
For further information, please contact Hannah Bristow, Clinical Standards communications officer, on +44 (0)20 3075 1447 / 07584 303 784 or email Hannah.Bristow@rcplondon.ac.uk
- A companion document to the outcomes strategy for COPD and asthma is a practical guide to help medical professionals put into practice the original COPD strategy developed to improve the quality and outcomes for people with COPD and asthma in 2011.
- The DH has indicated that improving outcomes for people with respiratory disease is a key priority for the NHS. To support the outcomes strategy for COPD and asthma, published last July, DH has published a companion document that sets out 46 key actions for the NHS.
- The NHS companion document sets out 46 best practice actions to help medical professionals, commissioners and service managers to deliver across the five domains in the NHS Outcomes Framework for people with COPD and asthma: to reduce mortality, improve quality of life, help people recover from episodes of ill health, deliver a positive patient experience and avoid harm.
- Download the companion document from the DH website