COPD HealthPathways Reviewed

The following COPD HealthPathways have been updated:

• COPD Diagnosis and Initial Management
• Medications in COPD
• Differentiating COPD from Asthma.
• Stable COPD Management and Review
• Acute Exacerbation of COPD
• End-stage/Palliative COPD Management

The COPD HealthPathways provide best practice guidelines on how to identify COPD in your patients and offer guidance on assessment and management. The referral sections of these pathways provide information on how to access local services that can assist you in managing your patients.

These updates were made in response to local needs following the bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic.  The changes include additional clinical information, resources and updates to local referral guidelines. The new COPD-X guidelines were added to the resources in all the pathways.

The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has implications for people living with a chronic lung condition, including COPD. People with COPD are more at risk of serious infection and they should be following the latest advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and stay at home as much as possible.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients should continue to use their regular prescribed medications, including ICS-containing inhalers. Patients should also continue to use courses of oral corticosteroids if this is part of their COPD action plan. Optimal control of COPD during the pandemic outweighs any theoretical concern about steroids in active COVID-19 infection.

The use of nebulisers should be avoided, as they generate aerosols and increase the risk of transmitting viral infections. Instead, metered-dose inhalers should be used together with spacers. It is recommended not to share inhalers or spacers with others, including family members.

For a list of all localised pathways see:

Mid and North Coast Localised Pathways
Username: manchealth
Password: conn3ct3d

For further information about HealthPathways contact:

• [email protected] (NNSW)
• [email protected] (MNC)