COPD is a chronic condition that leads to a progressive decline in lung function. As a result, managing COPD is a challenge not only for patients but also for healthcare systems. 

Careful management is essential to avoid increasing hospital admissions and readmissions, given the mortality and economic implications. Unfortunately, barriers to accessing treatment can lead to suboptimal COPD care.

The primary barriers

COPD care requires multidisciplinary collaboration among healthcare professionals, patient engagement, and access to specialized services. 

A 2024 review from the International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease identified socioeconomic status, insurance limitations, and inadequate transportation as key factors that make it difficult for many patients to get the consistent care they need.

Siu DCH, Gafni-Lachter L. Addressing barriers to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) care: three innovative evidence-based approaches: a review. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2024;19:331–341.

Beyond logistics, there’s the issue of medication nonadherence, which is a major contributor to hospital readmissions.

"One of the biggest challenges I see is that many COPD patients live in rural areas and simply don’t have access to specialized care," says Alok Mohta, MD, MBBS, a board-certified physician with over 30 years of experience treating COPD. "Telemedicine can help bridge that gap, but we still need more widespread adoption of this technology."

Building strong relationships

“A positive provider-patient relationship can significantly impact adherence to treatment and overall patient outcomes," Dr. Mohta stresses. "But this relationship is often undermined by clinical inertia—where providers fail to initiate or adjust therapy despite recognizing the need. We have to be more proactive.”

Clinical inertia is a big part of why we see patients in the hospital multiple times for the same issue. If we don’t address it, patients will keep falling through the cracks.

"Income and education affect who can get care for COPD,” Dr. Dasgupta adds. “People with lower incomes have a harder time. Providing free or low-cost screenings and treatments can help more people get the care they need.”

Better self-management means better care

Several innovative solutions show promise in improving COPD care. “Self-management education programs have been shown to help patients manage their symptoms, reduce hospital admissions, and improve their quality of life,” says Dr. Mohta, noting lifestyle changes, energy conservation techniques, smoking cessation strategies, and regular use of action plans for exacerbations. 

When patients understand their condition and know how to manage it at home, we see fewer hospital visits, better symptom control, and a better quality of life.

Energy conservation techniques for COPD patients focus on reducing exertion and improving efficiency in daily activities. According to Dr. Mohta, “These include pacing tasks with rest breaks, planning and prioritizing essential activities, and simplifying tasks using adaptive tools like shower chairs or long-handled devices.” 

How telehealth improves access to quality care

Authors of a review published in the Journal of Brazilian Pneumology note that telehealth offers a strong solution, particularly for those in remote areas lacking access to specialized care.

Rezende LC, Ribeiro EG, Parreiras LC, et al. Telehealth and telemedicine in the management of adult patients after hospitalization for COPD exacerbation: a scoping review. J Bras Pneumol. 2023;49(3):e20220067.

The findings indicated that, following discharge after a COPD exacerbation, telehealth not only enhances patients’ quality of life but also decreases readmission rates, emergency department visits, duration of hospital stays, and overall healthcare expenses.

Telemonitoring, combined with pulmonary rehabilitation or home exercise programs, has been shown to be as effective as in-person rehab in managing COPD.

Michaelchuk W, Oliveira A, Marzolini S, et al. Design and delivery of home-based telehealth pulmonary rehabilitation programs in COPD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Med Inform. 2022;162:104754.

"I've had patients who couldn’t come to the clinic regularly, but with telehealth, they can check in and follow their rehab exercises, and we can catch any red flags early," adds Dr. Mohta.

What it means to work together

A multidisciplinary team approach, incorporating physical therapists, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, and occupational therapists, ensures that every aspect of the patient's health is addressed. 

Having a team makes a big difference. No one doctor can do it all, and COPD patients need help on so many levels—mobility, nutrition, mental health.

“When we all work together, patients do better," Dr. Mohta explains. "We have to make things easier for patients—simpler medication regimens, better education, and more follow-up to catch issues before they escalate."