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Nurses should be trained to detect COPD earlier


Providing nurses with better training in the use of equipment to detect COPD, could ensure patients are diagnosed earlier, according to the Institute of Education at the University of London.

The study found most GP surgeries have spirometers,

Providing nurses with better training in the use of equipment to detect COPD, could ensure patients are diagnosed earlier, according to the Institute of Education at the University of London.

The study found most GP surgeries have spirometers, which test for lung disease and respiratory problems. Improved training in using the devices would require little financial investment and could save on costly treatment due to late diagnosis. Currently, staff are often not trained to use the equipment effectively and lack confidence in using it for diagnoses.