The disease course is often aggravated by exacerbations that accelerate disease progression and have a detrimental effect on quality of life (Decramer et al 2012) Patients with COPD have multifaceted health and social care needs that require lifelong monitoring and treatment (Fletcher and Dahl 2013). This makes the management of COPD particularly challenging. Nurses have a vital role in identifying those at risk of COPD, diagnosing it, and developing and implementing individualised care plans with patients for the management of the disease. As the disease progresses, nurses perform an important role in initiating discussions with patients about end of life care and, through advance care planning, allowing patients to shape their treatment choices when palliation is appropriate. The aims of care for patients with COPD are to improve their quality of life by alleviating symptoms, reducing the rate and severity of exacerbations, increasing exercise and improving overall health and wellbeing