Improving COPD Screening in an Internal Medicine Practice by Implementing the GOLD Guidelines

Purpose: Improve chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) screening in primary care by implementing Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) screening criteria.

Background and Significance: Evidence shows primary care providers (PCPs) are not adhering to the GOLD Guidelines for COPD screening.

Methods: Guideline education with pre/post-intervention survey and percent of eligible participants screened.

Results: Pre-intervention surveys (n=10) and post-intervention surveys (n=8) completed. Significant increase in knowledge regarding the CAT score (M score = 11.50, U = 24.000, p<.05). Part 2) 24% (n=6) of participants were screened with the CAT questionnaire.

Conclusions: PCPs are aware of the GOLD Guidelines, but do not always adhere to its recommendations. Future research should concentrate on effective ways to implement the GOLD Guidelines screening recommendations in primary care clinics.