Background
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a
chronic disease characterised by progressive and persistent airflow limitation. In the Netherlands, more than 360,000 people have been diagnosed with COPD [2].
The prevalence is estimated at 2.3% of men and 2.1% of
women . COPD patients may face limitations in daily
activities and reduced quality of life caused by dyspnoea,
airflow limitation, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and comorbidities. Three major goals of COPD care and treatment are to reduce symptoms, increase participation in daily activities and improve health-related quality of life
(HRQoL). In primary care settings in the Netherlands
and many other countries, care for patients with COPD
has increasingly moved from hospitals to primary care settings. Practice nurses have become essential in supporting COPD patients in their disease management