Using data to drive policy change in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

In the U.S. about one in 15 adults has a COPD diagnosis and one individual dies every four minutes. Worldwide, COPD mortality is expected to increase more than 30% over 10 years. Unfortunately, this incurable but treatable disease doesn't receive the attention and resources it should, in part because state and priority population-specific data has not been available. A core question on COPD was included in the 2011 BRFSS. 21 states added an optional module about diagnosis, utilization and quality of life.The data, published in a 2012 MMWR, confirmed that COPD's impact is severe, but not uniform. The data provides information that will create policy changes necessary to develop a global, national and state-based infrastructure for COPD. Key trends include; high geographic variations, disparate impact among women and low-income populations, proof of impact in the working-age population, dispelling perceptions that COPD is an elderly disease, and impact in never or former smoker populations. The data confirms long held beliefs that COPD is an emerging public health crisis and provides specific data required to gain the understanding and commitment of policymakers. COPD is a systemic problem requiring a coordinated and comprehensive solution. Currently no COPD programs exist at CDC or state health departments. A fellow is conducting a state-activity assessment and combined with the data, targeted policy change campaigns can produce the will to integrate COPD into awareness, early diagnosis and education programs that have lead to significant improvements in impact from other common chronic diseases.