Program promotes tailored preventive care for chronic lung diseases

For people with chronic lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma, certain common illnesses can lead to respiratory infections and cause serious complications. For these at-risk individuals, preventive measures are important, like staying up to date on vaccines, such as those for flu or pneumococcal pneumonia. In a Viewpoint article in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the Principal Investigator of the Arizona CEAL Regional Team highlights an initiative of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) that takes a prevention approach to pulmonary practice. The ATS program holds promise on multiple levels, working to improve the health of those with chronic lung diseases while also strengthening the processes of health systems.

Through the ATS initiative, the organization is focusing first and foremost on preventing illness among people at higher risk due to chronic lung disease. The program works with lung specialists to explore barriers that keep people with respiratory conditions from taking preventive actions. It aims to identify the most effective ways of encouraging people to do so. Eight health systems across the country are participating, adapting broad prevention recommendations to their specific contexts and the communities they serve. The work of the University of Arizona-Banner Health System, for example, is informed by insights gained from the Arizona CEAL Regional Team’s community-engaged research.

Ultimately, the hope is for learnings to be applied beyond those with chronic lung disease, helping develop prevention tools for people with other chronic diseases across the nation.

“We commend the ATS for its commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with lung disease through this vital public health initiative — an effort that may not receive the same attention as areas like mechanical ventilation in ARDS or biologics in asthma management but is no less critical.” American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, March 2025