Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in over 16s: diagnosis and management

New evidence

We found 112 new studies in a search for systematic reviews published between 1 January 2014 and 5 November 2015. We also considered 20 additional studies identified by members of the Guideline Committee who originally worked on this guideline.

Evidence identified in previous surveillance 4 years after publication of the guideline was also considered. This included 366 studies identified by search. No studies were identified in comments received during consultation on the 4‑year surveillance decision.

From all sources, 498 studies were considered to be relevant to the guideline.

We also checked for relevant ongoing research, which will be evaluated again at the next surveillance review of the guideline.

See appendix A: decision matrix for summaries and references for all new evidence considered.

Views of topic experts

We considered the views of topic experts, including those who helped to develop the guideline and other correspondence we have received since the publication of the guideline.

Views of stakeholders

Stakeholders are consulted only if we decide not to update the guideline following checks at 4 and 8 years after publication. Because this was a 6‑year surveillance review, and the decision was to update, we did not consult on the decision.

See ensuring that published guidelines are current and accurate in 'Developing NICE guidelines: the manual' for more details on our consultation processes.

NICE Surveillance programme project team

Sarah Willett
Associate Director

Philip Alderson
Consultant Clinical Adviser

Katrina Sparrow
Technical Adviser

Jeffrey T. Essuman
Technical Analyst

The NICE project team would like to thank the topic experts who participated in the surveillance process.