Challenges and Opportunities for the Management of COPD: A Narrative Review of Patient and Health Care Professional Perspectives.

Abstract

This review addresses the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), from both the patient and health care professional (HCP) perspectives. Coauthored by a patient organization advocate, a pulmonologist, and a nurse practitioner, this article synthesizes insights gained through collaborative discussions and a comprehensive literature review. It highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis of COPD, emphasizing that delayed diagnosis can lead to significant underdiagnosis and mismanagement of the disease. Lung function declines more rapidly in the early stages of COPD. Therefore, delayed or underdiagnosed COPD results in a lost opportunity to improve or maintain lung function, prevent exacerbations, and enhance the quality of life. The typical patient journey is also outlined in this article, underscoring the necessity of encouraging patients to actively engage in their care. Patients and HCPs collectively call for improvements in COPD management, emphasizing the importance of maintenance therapy; a deeper understanding of COPD exacerbations, focusing on their prevention; and fostering a partnership between patients and their HCPs in care management. The role of HCPs is crucial in promoting the self-management and awareness of COPD among patients. By integrating patient perspectives into clinical practice, health care systems can better address the complex needs of patients with COPD and ultimately enhance their health outcomes.