Description
Abstract
In December 1997 the British Thoracic Society published guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
[COPD]. They aim to encourage the early and accurate diagnosis of
COPD, to prevent deterioration and complications and to improve the
quality of life for those with established disease.
The ways in which these goals might be achieved are set out in the
document. The purpose of this article is threefold. Firstly, to describe
the guidelines in broad terms and to highlight some of the recommendations. Secondly, to point out some of the areas where there is a need
for further evidence and thirdly to consider some of the implications
of the guidelines for the way in which services are delivered to patients
with COPD
