The GOLD Science Committee was established in 2002 to review published research on COPD management and prevention, to evaluate the impact of this research on recommendations in the GOLD documents related to management and prevention, and to post yearly updates on the GOLD website. These publications are the worldwide consensus for best practice which are updated every year.

When deciding the appropriate pharmacotherapy, GOLD guidelines are very clear in the subjective monitoring of the patient, rather than severity of disease. The aim of pharmacotherapy is to reduce symptoms and reduce future risk.