Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a serious and progressive respiratory disease that causes lung damage and blocks the airways. It is the fourth leading cause of death in Canada and a leading cause of illness. People with COPD may experience chronic and progressive breathlessness, cough, sputum or mucus production, wheezing, and chest congestion. Furthermore, people with COPD often experience secondary effects, such as weight loss and malnutrition, as well as additional diseases or conditions.
Treatment Strategies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The following COPD management strategies were reviewed to understand which strategies produce the best patient outcomes and are most efficient for the health system:
- Influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations
- Smoking cessation
- Multidisciplinary care
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Long-term oxygen therapy
- Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (delivered through a nasal mask or face mask) for sudden or long-term respiratory failure
- Hospital-at-home for a sudden worsening of COPD
- Telemedicine
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care endorses this recommendation.
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has provided the following response: The Ministry agrees with this recommendation and has taken signification action on COPD care and prevention that align with Health Quality Ontario's advice. Many of the sub-recommendations have been included in the Clinical Handbook for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (Acute and Postacute), which is a publicly funded quality-based procedure. As recommended, the Ministry has also increased access to smoking cessation programs for patients in both the hospital and primary care setting, including patients with COPD, and has worked to increase access to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines among COPD patients.