News

COPD and Asthma Outcomes Strategy has been published

20 July 2011

The Department of Health have published The Outcomes Strategy for COPD and Asthma in England.

COPD and Asthma Outcomes Strategy has been published

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) affects more than 3 million people in England and more than 5 million people currently receive treatment for Asthma.  

The UK has the second highest death rate in Europe from respiratory diseases1.  Using the strategy to assist in reducing this to the EU average would save an additional 2,000 lives a year.  Reducing the UK death rate to that of the lowest amongst EU countries 8,000 lives a year would be saved from COPD alone.

Education for Health, a leading educational charity, has been working behind the scenes to enable the Department of Health to recognise the huge impact of respiratory conditions both on the individual and their carers and dependents, as well as broadening the understanding the wider economic implications. 

Chief Executive Monica Fletcher commented: “We are delighted that this announcement has been made.  Today marks a very important first step in tackling the significant problems caused by respiratory disease.  It also means that the UK is leading the way as the only country in Europe to have such a comprehensive strategy.  What is really exciting about this approach is that, as an outcomes strategy, it focuses on what is really important to patients; early accurate diagnosis and effective collaborative management delivered by working in partnership with patients.”

A recent study, COPD Uncovered, exposes the devastating economic, social and personal impact of COPD in the 40-65 years age group - the mainstay of the global workforce2,3.  The study demonstrated that:

  • COPD in Patients of Working Age cost the UK economy £1.2 billion
  • Nearly 1 in 5 45-68 year olds with COPD surveyed were forced to retire prematurely
  • Further information can be found on our COPD Uncovered web page.

Successful delivery of this strategy will require a well-educated and appropriately trained workforce.  Chris Loveridge, COPD Clinical Lead for Education for Health feels that the strategy is important in that it brings the importance of prevention much higher up the agenda.  Chris commented: “Nurses working within primary care will need to develop a greater understanding of COPD and Asthma in order to be able to deliver the quality of care that patients expect and deserve.”  

Education for Health will now be seeking to work with any existing and emerging NHS organisations to ensure that the training needs of the workforce are met. 

View the COPD and Asthma Outcomes Strategy Report here (PDF)

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