“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Evidence Update February 2012” is the latest of a new style Evidence Update from NHS Evidence. The update focuses on a summary of selected new evidence relevant to NICE clinical guideline 101 ‘Management of COPD in adults in primary and secondary care’ (2010).

Evidence Updates from NHS Evidence provide a regular, often annual, summary of selected new evidence published since the literature search was last conducted for the accredited guidance they update. They reduce the need for individuals, managers and commissioners to search for new evidence and inform guidance developers of new evidence in their field. In particular, Evidence Updates highlight any new evidence that might reinforce or generate future change to the practice described in the most recent, accredited guidance, and provide a commentary on the potential impact. Any new evidence that may impact current guidance will be notified to the appropriate NICE guidance development centres.

Evidence Updates do not replace current accredited guidance and do not provide formal practice recommendations.