Concern Over Decline in Gold Standard COPD Test Use in Australia

A new national report by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) shows a significant decrease in the use of spirometry, a key test for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

COPD is a progressive lung disease affecting many Australians, with a high number of preventable hospitalizations and being the fifth leading cause of death in 2023. Despite spirometry being the gold standard for COPD diagnosis, there has been a 31% drop in testing rates from 2015–16 to 2022–23.

The decline in spirometry use poses health risks for COPD patients, leading to potential misdiagnosis and inappropriate medication prescriptions. Geographic disparities in testing rates also raise concerns about healthcare equity.

Barriers like equipment costs, infection prevention, and lack of trained staff contribute to the decline in spirometry use. The report also highlights a worrisome 130% increase in the use of triple therapy, which should be reserved for specific COPD cases.

The COPD Clinical Care Standard released in October 2024, along with the Atlas Focus Report, aims to improve COPD care by providing evidence-based guidelines and regional data for healthcare professionals to enhance patient outcomes.

Healthcare leaders and policymakers are urged to review the findings and take actions to enhance access to spirometry, ensure appropriate prescribing, and deliver high-quality care for COPD patients.

For more information, visit safetyandquality.gov.au/Atlas-COPD.