GOLD Guidelines 2022 Updates: A Review for Pharmacists Across Multiple Practice Settings

Description:,Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a highly prevalent disease worldwide that is associated with significant health and economic burden. It is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide, causing 3.2 million deaths in 2019. In the United States, more than 26 million people are estimated to have COPD, but almost half of these individuals remain undiagnosed. Several classes of medications are used for the treatment of COPD; the choice within each class depends on the availability and cost of the drug, and clinical efficacy and safety profile. However, even with maximal inhaled therapies, many patients remain symptomatic and functionally impaired. Effective COPD management includes early diagnosis, individualized therapy selection, and ongoing patient education to optimize inhaler use and adherence. Several studies have demonstrated the impact of pharmacist-led interventions to improve outcomes in patients with COPD. Pharmacists should be knowledgeable about the 2022 update of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease report, including evidence-based recommendations for the prevention and treatment of COPD.,Educational Objectives:,Pharmacists,• Identify the clinical challenges and barriers associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the burden of the disease, and the need to improve patient outcomes,• Explore the 2022 updates to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines on COPD and the management of COPD,• Examine current and emerging treatments for COPD, including their safety, efficacy, and use in specific patient populations for optimal outcomes,• Highlight the role of the pharmacist in multiple practice settings in the management of patients with COPD and providing individualized strategies and treatment recommendations