GPs are incentivised to reduce COPD exacerbations, to provide structured medication reviews (SMRs) and to link – in England – to the community pharmacy new medicine service so that patients with COPD can receive early support and reinforcement of inhaler therapy. 

Practices are remunerated for SMRs. Eligible patients typically have a 30-45 minute review of their treatments. It is a more thorough review than a regular medication review and takes a more holistic view of understanding how each of the treatments fit within a person’s life. 

The GP contract says doctors should “work with community pharmacies to connect patients appropriately to the new medicine service, which supports adherence to newly prescribed medicines”. Some practices may still not be fully aware of the NMS, so sending them some information about this would be beneficial.