The burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is enormous and is increasing but early accurate diagnosis in a primary care setting can have a crucial impact on managing the condition. New NICE guidelines and the GMS Contract with incentives give GPs and practice nurses the opportunity to diagnose COPD patients and manage them in a structured fashion. This book brings together clear and concise information for GPs and primary healthcare teams on how this can be achieved accurately and effectively. 'This book sets out a very practical approach to caring for one group who can demonstrably benefit from access to the very best that primary care can offer: patients living with COPD. This book is for busy primary care physicians and nurses committed to improving diagnosis enabling self-management ensuring rapid treatment and providing truly patient-centred care. Written by an experienced practising general practitioner it provides a timely contribution to the high-quality primary care services needed now and in the future.' from the Foreword by Gail Richards 'Anita Sharma is to be congratulated on producing a clear concise and practical book on COPD which will educate give confidence to and encourage primary care physicians to manage this important disease effectively and at an early stage.
- from the Foreword by Joyce Barclay