Pre-hospital and emergency department pathways of care for exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, chronic respiratory condition that is both preventable and treatable. COPD causes significant morbidity and mortality, and is frequently placed in the top four leading causes of death worldwide (1). Exacerbations are acute complications of this disease which significantly affect its trajectory and often require emergency management in both the pre-hospital and emergency department (ED) setting. The literature of exacerbations is expanding rapidly and there are comprehensive national and international guidelines outlining COPD diagnosis, management and prevention including the COPD-X Plan and the GOLD Report (2,3); however, more research is needed in the area of pre-hospital and emergency systems for COPD exacerbations