Pharmacoeconomics in COPD and inappropriateness of diagnostics, management and treatment

Chronic respiratory disorders (CRDs) concern many people and generate important health and social costs. Their global impact (particularly that of COPD) has been the subject of numerous pharmacoeconomic studies published in recent years. These studies confirm the growing impact of COPD in all countries, in terms of the patient and patient's family, and that of society as a whole. The attitude towards COPD management is still largely inadequate, from prevention to diagnosis to drug and non-pharmacologic long-term treatment. The pulmonary specialist, in cooperation with other health professionals, can play a fundamental role in detecting inappropriateness in the clinical course of COPD and provide the basis for a correct assessment of pharmacoeconomic issues. Given the increasing social impact of COPD, the meeting inspiring this review, "COPD a social disease: inappropriateness and pharmacoeconomics. The role of the specialist: present and future", Venice, Italy, 21-22 April 2010, fits in perfectly with the goals and recommendations of GARD (Global Alliance against chronic Respiratory Diseases) of the WHO. GARD has formulated working recommendations: (i) to develop national programs of prevention and control of CRDs, starting from health education campaigns and better knowledge of epidemiology, impact, and relative risk factors; (ii) to provide training and continuing education on prevention and treatment of CRDs, disseminating the existing guidelines; and (iii) to facilitate access to essential treatments and favour adherence to long-term treatment, including drug treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation, particularly amongst disadvantaged sectors of the population.