Abstract
In winter, exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are frequent. These exacerbations are associated with increased hospital admissions, morbidity and mortality. Reducing the risk of winter exacerbations of COPD is crucial for alleviating pressures on health services and can be achieved by providing optimal year-round patient management. Identifying, reviewing and assessing patients at risk of COPD exacerbations well ahead of the winter season helps put in place preventive interventions such as checking inhaler technique, educating patients to recognise exacerbations and promoting self-management. This article highlights risk factors for COPD exacerbations, describes how to undertake a comprehensive review of a patient with COPD, and discusses interventions that community and primary care nurses can deliver to reduce the risk of winter exacerbations.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
