Patient Charter

Approximately 380 million people worldwide are affected by COPD [1]

COPD is the third leading cause of death globally, behind heart disease and stroke. As global patient advocates, we believe it is essential to raise the level of awareness and understanding among patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public about the impact of COPD and opportunities to reform patient care. We believe patients should be empowered to live freely with COPD, without symptoms and exacerbations, reducing their interaction with hospitals and extending their life for as long as possible.

The COPD Patient Charter can be found at the following link: COPD Patient Charter

An accompanying manuscript based on the Patient Charter principles has been published in Advances in Therapy: Publication

Patient Charter Translations

The COPD Patient Charter Video

Learn more about the origins and importance of GAAPP’s COPD Patient Charter in this short video.

Introducing the COPD Patient Charter at World COPD Day

Watch this World COPD Day webinar and the introduction of the COPD Patient Charter. The event features panelists Dr. John Hurst (UK), Dr. Mohit Bhutani (CA), and GAAPP’s Tonya Winders (USA).

Visuals for Patient Charter: 6 Principles

These six graphics feature the fundamental principles represented in the COPD Patient Charter. Use these images to highlight the six expectations of care all people with COPD deserve.

Review Acknowledgement

This page was reviewed by GAAPP clinical and scientific experts in January 2024.

References

1. Adeloye D, Song P, Zhu Y, et al. Global, regional, and national prevalence of, and risk factors for, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2019: a systematic review and modelling analysis. Lancet Respir Med. 2022;10(5):447-458. doi:10.1016/S2213-2600(21)00511-7.