The diagnosis and management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in at-risk populations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. COPD is preventable, so intervening early should reduce the likelihood of developing COPD. Reducing the negative impact of COPD may be achieved by targeting people at risk of COPD and providing them with quit smoking support, appropriate screening, and effective treatments and management. There is uncertainty regarding the appropriate, evidence-based, diagnosis and management of COPD in at-risk populations. The overall aim of this thesis was to explore the diagnosis and management of COPD in at-risk populations.