Quality statements - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Clinical Care Standard

A person over 35 years of age with a risk factor and one or more symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives high-quality spirometry to enable diagnosis. Spirometry is also performed for a person with a recorded diagnosis of COPD that has not yet been confirmed with spirometry.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person with a confirmed COPD diagnosis receives a comprehensive assessment to determine their individual care needs. This includes assessing their symptoms and disease severity using a validated assessment tool, history and risk of exacerbations, and comorbidities. Follow-up assessment occurs at least annually.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person with COPD is supported to learn about their condition and treatment options. They participate in developing an individualised self-management plan that addresses their needs and treatment goals and includes an action plan for COPD exacerbations.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person with COPD is offered recommended vaccinations for respiratory and other infections including influenza, pneumococcal disease and COVID-19. They are asked about their tobacco-smoking status and, if currently smoking, offered evidence-based tobacco-smoking cessation interventions.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person with COPD is referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. If the person has been hospitalised for a COPD exacerbation, they are referred to a pulmonary rehabilitation program on discharge and commence the program within four weeks.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person with a confirmed COPD diagnosis is offered individualised pharmacotherapy in line with the COPD-X stepwise approach. Inhaler technique is demonstrated, assessed and corrected when starting treatment and regularly thereafter, including after any change in treatment or a COPD exacerbation.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person having a COPD exacerbation receives short-acting bronchodilator therapy at the onset of symptoms and, if indicated, oral corticosteroids in line with the current COPD-X Guidelines. Antibiotics are only considered if criteria for prescribing are met, and they are prescribed according to evidence-based guidelines.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person experiencing hypoxaemia during a COPD exacerbation receives controlled oxygen therapy, ensuring that oxygen saturation levels are maintained between 88% and 92%. Non-invasive ventilation is considered in anyone with hypercapnic respiratory failure with acidosis.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person who has been hospitalised for a COPD exacerbation is offered a follow-up assessment within seven days of discharge, facilitated by timely and effective communication between their hospital and primary care providers.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services

A person with COPD is offered symptom support and palliative care that meets their individual needs and preferences.

Find out what this means for consumers, clinicians and healthcare services