Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory condition. It is among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. This is expected to rise, due to ongoing exposure to COPD risk factors in developing countries and an aging population in developed countries.1, 2 Because of its high prevalence and chronicity, COPD exerts a substantial burden on the healthcare system and resources, due to the need for ongoing chronic therapy, outpatient appointments, and frequent hospitalisations.3
COPD is a heterogeneous lung condition characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, cough, sputum production) due to abnormalities of the airways (bronchitis, bronchiolitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema), that cause persistent, often progressive, airflow obstruction.4 COPD management aims to improve the quality of life via symptom control and prevention of exacerbations.5 Therefore, the optimal management of COPD requires an integrated pathway of care involving patients, family, care-givers, and healthcare professionals as patients move between stability and acute exacerbations.6
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