The COPD prescribing tools
These tools present pharmacological treatment options for patients with COPD based on their symptoms and exacerbation severity; the first tool is used for
treatment initiation and the second tool is used for the escalation
or de-escalation of treatment.
Previously, bpacnz provided one tool for COPD treatment initiation and escalation or de-escalation. Following the release of new guidelines by the
Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
(GOLD 2020)
and the Asthma + Respiratory Foundation NZ
(NZ
COPD guidelines 2021), the prescribing tool has been updated and now includes a second clinical resource to be
used at follow-up, after medicines have been initiated.