In order to make the diagnosis of COPD, and in some cases asthma, patients need post-bronchodilator spirometry. The longer they go undiagnosed the longer we run the risk of them being under-treated and potentially being given multiple, harmful courses of antibiotics and/or prednisolone. Equally, if we assume that the diagnosis is COPD, and it turns out not to be, patients end up on costly inhalers that don’t work for them, with potential side effects. As long as we delay diagnosis we delay their access to high-value interventions such as Pulmonary Rehabilitation that not only reduces exacerbations but keeps them out of the hospital.

In this Lunch & Learn we will unpick how to make sure the right patients get the right diagnosis at the right time. You will be signposted to up-to-date, easily digestible learning material and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Event Agenda

• The value of spirometry
• The reality of practice without spirometry
• Some practical advice for restarting spirometry
• Prioritising patients on our waiting lists
• Q&A Session