Pre PACES Podcast #21 COPD
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Nov 7, 2021 Dr. Drew Davies, a respiratory registrar with expertise in COPD, shares pivotal insights on managing this common condition in clinical settings. He emphasizes the importance of initial examination cues like barrel chest and breath sounds crucial for quick diagnosis. Drew discusses strategies for presenting the findings effectively during assessments. He also highlights the significance of spirometry and imaging in determining the severity of COPD, alongside management approaches for acute exacerbations and long-term care, including inhaler therapy and surgical options.
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Passing PACES Was About Mindset
- Dr Drew Davies failed PACES first time and attributes passing to mindset change rather than new knowledge.
- He emphasizes confidence, positivity and performance skills as key to passing PACES.
Use Investigations To Show Safety
- Investigations in PACES are about proving you are a safe, competent clinician, not resource-limited troubleshooting.
- Start with basic bloods, chest X-ray, ABG and spirometry, then escalate to CT or specialist tests as needed.
Target Blood Tests For COPD Clues
- Request FBC to check anemia, eosinophils and polycythemia; add IgE or vasculitis screen if history suggests asthma or Churg–Strauss.
- Consider alpha-1 antitrypsin testing in younger patients with emphysema phenotype.