FUMEPOC: Early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in smokers

This paper described the rationale for, design, and conduct of an observational study designed to analyze the validity and reliability of the Vitalograph COPD-6 device for screening and diagnosis of early-stage COPD in primary care in Alicante, Spain; it is planned that ~480 individuals aged ≥45 years with a smoking history of ≥10 pack-years will be enrolled in the study. Included individuals will undergo in-clinic testing using the COPD-6 device, followed by conventional in-hospital spirometry testing.