Clinical audit: Managing the deadly duo of COPD and cardiovascular risk

Activity aim

In this clinical audit, you will identify patients with COPD who have a history of moderate to severe exacerbations in the past 12 months and an increased risk of cardiovascular events. You will consider how your patient’s self-management behaviours, inhaled COPD medications and prescribed non-pharmacological treatments could be further optimised, in line with evidence-based guidelines, to improve symptom control and reduce the risk of further exacerbations.

Why take part in this program?

• Identify five suitable patients for this activity who have previously been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Earn 6.5 CPD hours upon completion.

Learning outcomes

• Understand the relationship between acute COPD exacerbations and risk of cardiovascular events.
• Identify patients with COPD who have increased morbidity and mortality risk.
• Develop strategies for recognising and reducing the incidence of exacerbations in COPD.
• Implement an effective management plan for patients with COPD.

Inclusion criteria

Patients who are eligible for this clinical audit are adults who are:

• aged 18 years or older
• previously diagnosed with COPD
• 1 or more severe COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalisation in past 12 months, OR 2 or more moderate exacerbations in the past 12 months

How long should it take?

The program has been designed to take approximately 4-6 weeks to complete. This includes patient recall from your practice, patient consult and program evaluation.

Tips to recruit patients

Recruitment may occur:

• Opportunistically as you consult appropriate patients as part of usual care.
• By active recall.

This activity is sponsored by AstraZeneca Australia.