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Table 3 Recommendations added to the clinical referral pathway for Primary Care Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

From: GRADE-ADOLOPMENT of clinical practice guidelines and creation of clinical pathways for the primary care management of chronic respiratory conditions in Pakistan

Added Recommendation

Source

“Look for signs and symptoms (persistent progressive dyspnea, chronic cough, sputum production) that raise suspicion towards a diagnosis of COPD”

Medscape [43] ACP, ACCP, ATS, ERS [44]

“Assess risk factors – modifiable (tobacco smoke exposure, smoke from home cooking, occupational irritants) and non-modifiable (family history, genetic factors) – for COPD”

Medscape [43, 45, 46]

“In individuals who have suspicious signs and symptoms aligning with COPD, and a FEV1/FVC ratio of > 70%, refer to specialist for further management.”

GOLD [47]

“In patients diagnosed with COPD, after recommendation of initial pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, call for follow-up in 2–4 weeks to review patients’ response to management.”

Expert Consensus

ACP: American College of Physicians; ACCP: American College of Chest Physicians; ATS: American Thoracic Society; ERS: European Respiratory Society; COPD: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; FEV1/FVC: Ratio of Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s to Forced Vital Capacity of lungs; GOLD: Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
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BMC Pulmonary Medicine

ISSN: 1471-2466

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