Targeted COPD Case-finding using COPD Screening Devices in the Community

The main aim of targeted COPD case-finding with a COPD screening device is to identify those at risk of COPD and avoid unnecessary spirometry in those with normal lung function.

• Such an approach will identify ‘at-risk’ individuals for standard diagnostic spirometry who are likely to benefit from early intervention and disease management.
• These individuals should be referred to their local health practitioner for further assessment and, if appropriate, encouraged to commence preventative strategies, such as quitting smoking, that may stop or slow the onset of COPD.
• This approach will have the added benefit of raising awareness of lung health in the community and ensuring that individuals take the symptoms of lung disease seriously.

There are many in the community who might use these devices in a primary care setting including, but not exclusive to, general practitioners, general practice nurses, respiratory- and other hospital-based nurses, respiratory scientists, physiotherapists and other allied health personnel, exercise physiologists, pharmacists, community health workers, multi-cultural health workers, aboriginal health workers, and The Australian Lung Foundation staff.

To find out a bit more about how lung function screening might be used in community pharmacy, see the following article that outlines how one pharmacy in Newcastle has successfully incorporated screening into their practice.

 Piggotts Pharmacy Story 1.42 Mb

Piko6 Hand Held Device	COPD6 Hand Held Device

Support Resources

To support targeted COPD case-finding using COPD screening devices, The Australian Lung Foundation has developed the following: 

1.	The Australian Lung Foundation position paper on the use of COPD screening devices for targeted COPD case finding in community settings COPD Screening Devices 317.47 Kb
2.	Lung Function Screening results form:
	2.1 General Practice   Lung Function Screening Results Form for General Practice 1.12 Mb
	2.2 Pharmacy Lung Function Screening Results Form for Pharmacy 311.86 Kb
	2.3 Community  Lung Function Screening Results Form for the Community 1.12 Mb
3.	Those wishing to use COPD screening devices should first watch the Lung Foundation's specially developed training video. This short training video (approx 15 minutes) is available free of charge.
	COPD Screening Device Video Click on the link COPD Screening Device Video and the Flash video will automatically open in a new browser window. If you cannot see the video it may be because it is behind your current browser window you may need to download the free Flash Player (see our Help page)
4.	Screening Flowchart Screening Flowchart 583.71 Kb
5.	Using Piko 6 and COPD 6 instruction sheet Using the Piko 6 and COPD 6 Instruction Sheet 155.02 Kb
6.	To obtain COPD screening devices:
	6.1 The Piko-6 screening device and supporting resources are available to purchase from the Australian Lung Foundation. A "Starter Pack" is available with everything you need to get started using the Piko-6.
	Visit our Shop or complete the order forms below and fax them to the Lung Foundation on 07-3852 548.   93.77 Kb Piko Screening Devices Order Form including "Starter Pack"  Pocket Chamber Order Form 96.72 Kb
	6.2 The COPD-6 an be purchased by visiting http://www.medshop.com.au/vitalograph-copd-6-copd-screener.html

For further information on COPD Screening Devices contact The Australian Lung Foundation 1 800 654 301

Content updated 11 October 2011