great deal of worldwide interest and
research. Interest in COPD in the UK rose
from a low level with the publication of the
first national BTS guideline in 1997, and has
been further raised with NICE guidance and
the inclusion of COPD in the Quality and
Outcomes Framework of the GMS contract.
It is hoped that the development of a
national clinical strategy, due for publication
in 2010, will further improve service
provision and reduce inequality of care.
While COPD still places a considerable
burden on patients, their carers and society,
the prospects are looking brighter. COPD
has been described as the ‘Cinderella’
respiratory disease, but the likelihood of
Cinderella going to the ball is improving.