Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. An estimated 11.4 million adults aged 18 and over have reported a physician diagnosis of COPD. However, as many as 24 million U.S. adults have some evidence of impaired lung function, indicating an under diagnosis of the disease. Spirometry is the standard for the diagnosis and assessment of COPD, yet it is underutilized in clinical practice and many patients who could benefit from care remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This program is designed to help physicians to improve this skills in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD, use spirometry consistently and meet all quality improvement (QI) goals set by ARHQ, HEDIS and P4P, thereby raising the standard of care for their patients with COPD, while reducing the healthcare costs.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in people over age 45. COPD is a progressive disease associated with exposure to noxious gases or particles, most notably, tobacco smoke. Symptoms often mimic those of asthma and other pulmonary diseases, which can make diagnosis challenging. However, spirometry, easily performed in the family physician's office by trained staff, can significantly increase the likelihood of an accurate diagnosis early in the course of the disease and before significant lung volume loss occurs. The family physician plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of COPD. Family physicians must be able identify patients suspected of COPD and conduct a thorough medical history and exam, including testing with spirometry, to determine an accurate diagnosis. This program will present the use of spirometry in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient with COPD.
Instructions
To receive a statement of credit for up to 2 credits, you must:
- Review the entire activity
- Reflect on the content
- Successfully complete the post-test with a score of 70% or higher
- Complete the evaluation form and follow the directions to receive your certificate of credit
Please provide feedback on this course.
COPD is a progressive disease associated with exposure to noxious gases or particles, most notably, tobacco smoke. Symptoms often mimic those of asthma and other pulmonary diseases, which can make diagnosis challenging. An exacerbation, defined as an acute change in the patient's baseline condition, can be caused by infections and air pollution, although the cause of up to one-third of exacerbations is unknown. Management of exacerbations is a crucial part of managing patents with COPD. This program will present the role of spirometry in the long term management of the patient with COPD.
Instructions
To receive a statement of credit for up to 2 credits, you must:
- Review the entire activity
- Reflect on the content
- Successfully complete the post-test with a score of 70% or higher
- Complete the evaluation form and follow the directions to receive your certificate of credit
Please provide feedback on this course.