NICE: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in adults

This quality standard covers the assessment, diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It does not cover prevention, screening or case finding. For more information see the COPD topic overview.

This quality standard was previously called chronic obstructive pulmonary disease quality standard.

In February 2016, this quality standard was updated. A new statement on emergency oxygen during an exacerbation has been added and the other quality statements have been updated.

This quality standard has been updated. The topic was identified for update following the annual review of quality standards in 2014. The review identified that there had been changes in the areas for improvement for COPD. For further information about the update, including statements from the 2011 quality standard that are no longer national priorities for improvement but are still underpinned by current accredited guidance, see update information.