The objective of the study is to determine the effect on lung function when either SPIRIVA
once daily or placebo once daily is added to the usual therapy (care) of COPD patients naïve
to anticholinergic agents managed in primary care. Previous studies have been in both
hospital in and outpatients, with washout of some respiratory medications, this is the first
study to be conducted in General Practice, the drug's anticipated environment.
Data from this study, including the adverse event monitoring, and post study findings on
physical examination, will be used to extend the safety database. Health Resource Utilisation
(HRU) data will be recorded to be use with data from other sources for economic analysis of
COPD treatment.