Such attitudes are unjustifiable. Realistic
aims for long-term management are to:
➤ Slow down or halt disease progression
➤ Achieve best possible symptom relief,
thereby reducing disability
➤ Reduce the frequency and severity of
exacerbations.
Nurses’ role
Early diagnosis is required to achieve these
aims. Regular review is also needed to ensure
that appropriate interventions are offered,
education and information needs are met, and
symptoms are as well controlled as possible.
The management of long-term conditions
such as COPD is well suited to nurse-led
care, provided that the nurse is adequately
trained. The diagnosis and management of
COPD is often complex; patients are older
and co-morbidity is common. High quality
training and continuing professional
development, together with support from
medical colleagues and the multi-disciplinary
team help ensure good quality care.