The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence has published additional new guidance for the month of June 2010.
Earlier this month guidance was issued relating to alcohol-use disorders and reducing alcohol related harm.
NICE has now issued further public health guidance relating to quitting smoking in pregnancy and following childbirth (QRG) and prevention of cardiovascular disease (QRG).
There is also an updated clinical guideline detailing the diagnosis and management of adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (QRG).
This update introduces some significant changes compared to the previous guideline including:
- Diagnosis should be confirmed on post-bronchodilator spirometry assessment
- Pulmonary rehabilitation should be more widely available to include those who have had a recent hospitalisation for an acute exacerbation
- Grading of the severity of airflow obstruction for COPD is now aligned with other international organisations (ATS, ERS and GOLD)
- Changes in the recommended positioning for inhaled treatments
Action: Clinicians should be aware of these guidelines. Clinicians who see patients with COPD should ensure they are familiar with the changes introduced in the updated COPD guidance.