CARABELA-COPD: A Novel Approach for the Transformation and Improvement of the Healthcare Process in COPD Management in Spain

[Display omitted] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious global health problem that is ranked third among the leading causes of death worldwide. However, underdiagnosis remains common, especially in Spain. The CARABELA-COPD initiative aims to address these issues by optimizing processes across the diverse healthcare settings in Spain. CARABELA-COPD employs lean methodology and fosters partnership between scientific societies, industry, clinicians, and managers to improve COPD care. The methodology consists of 4 phases: Phase 1 involved experts analyzing COPD care models and unmet needs; Phase 2, validation and priorization of improvement areas in 7 pilot hospitals, selecting healthcare quality indicators (QIs) in a national meeting; Phase 3, cocreation and refinement of results from a regional perspective; and Phase 4 is ongoing, disseminating the results and implementing them locally. Initial phases of the initiative have defined a generic patient journey for COPD management from a multidisciplinary approach, identified 7 improvement areas for optimal COPD care, developed 4 care models tailored to different settings, and established QIs that have been validated in national and regional meetings. CARABELA-COPD is a novel practical approach to COPD management in Spain that acts as catalyst for a system transformation to boost overall system efficiency and enhance patient outcomes. It provides a clear framework for improvement, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and communication. The ongoing implementation phase will require flexibility and constant evaluation to further enhance COPD care, ultimately improving patient quality of life and healthcare effectiveness. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es un problema de salud global grave y se sitúa como la tercera causa de muerte en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, su infradiagnóstico sigue siendo común, especialmente en España. La iniciativa CARABELA-EPOC tiene como objetivo abordar estos problemas mediante la optimización de los procesos asistenciales en los diversos entornos sanitarios en España. CARABELA-EPOC emplea una metodología estructurada y eficiente que fomenta la colaboración entre sociedades científicas, industria, clínicos y gestores para mejorar la atención de las personas con EPOC. La metodología consta de cuatro fases: la fase 1 involucró a expertos que analizaron los modelos de atención en EPOC y las necesidades no cubiertas; la fase 2, implicó la validaci