A national strategy for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in England: aiming to improve the quality of care for patients.

This article examines the rationale behind the development of the National Clinical Strategy for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in England which will be launched in 2009. It focuses on the burden which COPD places on the healthcare service and the effect it has on patients, and highlights the important steps in the development of the Clinical Strategy. The general recommendations which are likely to be contained within the Clinical Strategy are discussed, as well as the possible implications for primary care.