GOLD D Patients in Primary Care: A Group Whose Clinical Outcomes Can Easily Be Improved

A study was recently published into the revised multidimensional Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) A–D classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This revealed that the prevalence of group D patients receiving inhaled medication was low, with almost 50% not being treated at all. Although this group is frequently encountered in primary care, further information is scarce. Moreover, adequate treatment of this group in an integrated care environment should enhance their overall health status and reduce the rate of exacerbations. We hypothesise that accurate treatment of GOLD D patients in an integrated primary care system will improve patient outcomes over 12 months.