BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization-Government of India (WHO-GOI) Guidelines 2003 for management of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) is a consensus statement. However, the outcome and impact of its implementation on quality of life (QOL) among COPD patients has not been studied so far. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were randomized to intervention group (n = 50) and control group (n = 40). All were treated and followed up for 6 months. A pulmonary physician reviewed patients of both the groups, at least 3 times in 6 months period. St George's Respiratory Questionnaire was measured at baseline and at 6 months. Patients in control group visited the center on a "need to" basis and were prescribed conventional treatment by the doctor on duty. RESULTS: Forty-two patients in the intervention group and 32 in the control group completed 3 visits over the period of 6 months and were included in analysis. The severity as per the guidelines was moderate in 74% and severe in 26% in intervention group while it was moderate in 64% and severe in 36% cases in control group. Follow-up QOL scores were significantly better as compared with baseline values (p < 0.001). The QOL of the patients treated according to the guidelines were significantly better (p < 0.001) than those in the control group with conventional treatment. CONCLUSION: The consensus derived recommendations of WHO-GOI Guidelines for COPD 2003 are beneficial for management of COPD patients over conventional management.

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