Use a stepwise approach to manage patients with COPD and individualise choice of inhaler based on patient-specific factors.
This Clinical e-Audit requires data to be submitted for only SEVEN (7) patients.
This activity is funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Ltd and managed through VentureWise, a wholly owned subsidiary of NPS MedicineWise. The content has been developed by NPS MedicineWise with complete independence and editorial control and is based on best practice guidelines.
CPD Points
RACGP 40 (Category 1) QI and CPD points (QI activity)
Toggle informationThis activity has been accredited for 40 (Category 1) points (QI activity) in the RACGP QI&CPD Program for the 2017-2019 triennium (activity ID number 133050).
ACRRM 30 PRPD points
Toggle informationThis activity has been accredited for 30 PRPD points in the ACRRM PDP Program for the 2017-2019 triennium (activity code 13071).
PIP QPI
- Recognised for the Practice Incentives Program Quality Prescribing Incentive (PIP QPI)
About
New inhaled medicines and devices have become available for the treatment of COPD. Ensuring best practice methods to teach and assess inhaler technique will improve symptom control. Stepping up treatment based on the patient’s symptom severity and frequency of exacerbations, will maximise patient outcomes.
This Clinical e-Audit will guide you to:
- review your approach to using spirometry to diagnose COPD
- tailor COPD treatment to maximise control of a patient’s symptoms
- identify patient-specific factors that can influence the choice of inhaler device
- assess adherence and inhaler technique regularly
- access tools and information for your patients.
Our Clinical e-Audits are free quality improvement activities that help GPs review their current prescribing practice and overall management for patients with certain conditions, compared with current best practice guidelines.
What’s involved:
- completing electronic data collection for 7 patients
- submitting de-identified data securely online
- reflecting on immediate patient-specific feedback to assist implementation of changes to practice
- reviewing individual and peer feedback results, based on achievement of best practice clinical indicators
- recording progress of individual patients automatically identified for review
- reflecting on improvements in your practice.
Learning outcomes
Participation in this activity will help you to:
- outline the role of spirometry testing and results in the diagnosis of COPD
- implement a stepwise approach to COPD management, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological
- select a COPD medicine and device based on patient-specific factors
- assess adherence to medicines and correct inhaler technique regularly
- demonstrate correct inhaler technique for new devices or patients with poor technique.
You will…
- have access to a summary of best practice recommendations
- receive practical advice to provide to your patients
- create an individualised management plan for each patient
- receive immediate feedback and be able to compare your results with those of your peers.
Access an expert commentary by Professor Nicholas Zwar
Resources
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
In 2013, COPD was the fifth leading cause of death in Australia. This program reviews the role of spirometry in diagnosis, and the stepwise management of COPD.
The Quality Assurance poster
Display this poster to inform patients that your practice participates in quality improvement activities.
Clinical e-Audit patient leaflet
Make these information leaflets available to inform patients that your practice participates in quality improvement activities.
Frequently asked questions
- Refer to the Clinical e-Audit frequently asked questions for more information.
- Read about Privacy and confidentiality.