Towards the integrated care of COPD, asthma and bronchiectasis: description and objectives of a treatable trait-based complex obstructive airway disease unit.

Abstract

Introduction: Expert management of Complex Obstructive Airway Diseases (COAD) requires knowledge, resources, and skills that are commonly shared in the management of the different conditions usually included in the acronym, namely asthma, bronchiectasis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). We discuss the basis to shift the paradigm of single-disease management into a holistic approach and describe its potential benefits.

Areas covered: The prevalence and significance of the overlap between the different conditions is reviewed. Literature research on the topic of treatable traits in airway diseases is analyzed, with special emphasis in the role of an expert nurse and the multidisciplinary team approach for the management of asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD. Finally, we describe the experience and organization of a COAD unit addressing desirable clinical outcomes and patient-related outcome measures.

Expert opinion: The division between different airway diseases generates confusion when the diseases present features common to various airway conditions. We describe here how a holistic approach of the airway disease process based on treatable traits regardless the diagnostic label reverts in a more efficient use of resources and better clinical outcomes. The role of an expert respiratory nurse and a multidisciplinary team are key areas for improvement.