Beyond the Lung

We are excited to announce the launch of our Beyond the Lung series, a collection of eLearning courses that explore the wide-ranging impact of COPD beyond the respiratory system. These courses will be available starting in April 2025.

Research, such as the study by Chetty et al. involving over 1.2 million adults from 314 primary care practices in Scotland, has shown that COPD extends far beyond lung function. In this study, over 51,000 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD were evaluated for comorbidities, revealing that 86% of COPD patients had at least one comorbid condition, while 22% had more than five comorbidities. These findings highlight the significant burden of comorbidities on individuals with COPD.

In recognition of the importance of managing these additional health conditions, the GOLD COPD guidelines have updated their definition of COPD to include the impact of comorbidities, acknowledging that these conditions can greatly influence both morbidity and mortality in COPD patients.

Our Beyond the Lung courses are designed to provide healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and manage the various comorbidities associated with COPD. Launching in April 2025, the courses will cover a range of important conditions, including: