United Kingdom COPD Index
Rank
(out of 24 countries)
2
Index Score
(out of 100)
71.08
Deaths
(as a % of overall deaths)
5.74%
Smoking Rate
15.4%
Societal Costs
(cost per person)
$1087
Above average performance
Average performance
Below average performance
The United Kingdom (UK) is the second-highest scorer in the COPD Index, due in large part to its comprehensive implementation of strong tobacco control policies, and a relatively robust strategy for COPD prevention and care.
The United Kingdom (UK) is the second-highest scorer in the COPD Index, due in large part to its comprehensive implementation of strong tobacco control policies, a relatively robust strategy for COPD prevention and care, and comparatively strong access to care and diagnostic services. However, the UK is among the lowest scorers in the Health System Characteristics and Disease Burden categories, which can be attributed to the country’s above-average hospitalisation rate, comparatively low density of specialists and general practitioners, a lack of federalised health data structure, a high percentage of DALYs attributable to COPD, and an above-average COPD death rate. While the UK is among the highest overall scorers, there is still ample room to improving COPD treatment and prevention.
How does United Kingdom perform in each category?
Provides further insights into how United Kingdom scores across each Index category
COPD Index Key Takeaways
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following takeaways regarding COPD care in United Kingdom.
Comparatively comprehensive COPD strategy and good general adherence to COPD care guidelines
Strong Tobacco Control Policy indicator, ranking only marginally behind New Zealand
2nd lowest density of respiratory specialists among the Index countries
Best Practices for COPD Care
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following best practices regarding COPD care in United Kingdom.
Chronic disease reviews are regularly completed at the primary care level
Supporting role of specialist research nurses in general practice
Challenges for COPD Care
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following challenges regarding COPD care in United Kingdom.
Reports indicate that low level of access to spirometry is a pressing issue
Early stages of COPD are often not identified, leading to late diagnosis
Opportunities for COPD Care
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following opportunities regarding COPD care in United Kingdom.
Effective approaches to smoking cessation are underway
Support case finding through lung cancer screening
Priorities for COPD Care
Data from the COPD Index revealed the following priorities regarding COPD care in United Kingdom.
Improve access to biologics
Risk stratification of patients in primary care
Improve access to spirometry
Compare United Kingdom to other countries
Select different countries to see how they scored across each of the 5 categories and overall
Key Contributor Insights
“[The challenge is that] … Primary care is very stretched and the use of pharmacists, paramedics and nurses to deliver care reduces quality.”
“Restoration of spirometry use to levels seen 10 years ago would help with accurate diagnosis.”
Sources
You can view the data sources for this country HERE