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Health Professional News
NZ COPD Guidelines now available
New Zealand’s first-ever COPD Guidelines were published in the New Zealand Medical Journal recently, providing a national framework for the diagnosis and management of COPD in a New Zealand context.
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The guidelines were developed by the Foundation’s working group of respiratory health experts led by Dr Stuart Jones from Middlemore Hospital, and Professor Bob Hancox from the University of Otago. The guidelines aim to improve COPD diagnosis, and lay out clear recommendations for the assessment and management of this respiratory disease.
COPD is often misdiagnosed in New Zealand and can be confused with asthma. There are also variances of care across New Zealand depending on where a patient lives – an issue that these COPD guidelines hopes to address through providing a framework based on evidence-based standards of care.
The burden of COPD among Māori is one of the most significant health disparities in New Zealand, with hospitalisation rates 3.5 times higher than non-Māori and mortality 2.2 times higher. Similarly, Pasifika are disproportionately affected, with hospitalisation rates 2.7 times higher than those of other New Zealanders. Greater exposure to environmental triggers such as smoking and poor housing, as well as access to understandable health information, are key contributing factors.
Cultural considerations and the importance of nonpharmacological management of COPD are key aspects of the guidelines that make them relevant to New Zealand healthcare practice.
You can view, or download these, and other respiratory guidelines at nzrespiratoryguidelines.co.nz. Here, you can also find additional resources such as action plans, and quick reference guides. If you would like to order printed resources these can be ordered via our online resource store shop.asthmafoundation.org.nz
New Asthma and COPD Fundamentals e-Learning course
Do you want to learn the latest in asthma and COPD clinical best practice and gain 12 CPD points?
To align with the newly released NZ Asthma and COPD Guidelines, we have updated our Asthma and COPD Fundamentals e-learning course.
Developed by the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ alongside Whitireia, the Fundamentals course is designed to provide health professionals with up-to-date education on asthma and COPD.
The course can be completed at your own pace, and is split into the following four modules: - Asthma fundamentals - Asthma management - COPD management - Health promoting practice
The course is designed for all healthcare professionals who work with patients who have asthma and/or COPD.
The course is endorsed by the New Zealand College of Nurses, and awards 12 continuing professional development hours upon completion. Even better, the course can be completed at any pace, anywhere, and at any time.
Fundamentals Relaunch Special
Study all four modules for only $149.99. Bulk discounts available. Limited time only!
