Program Lung Switzerland is a joint venture between the Swiss Society for Pneumology and the Swiss Lung Association for the implementation of Lung Health priorities in Switzerland. 

The overarching goal of PLuS is to improve the lung health of the Swiss population. 
PLuS aims to implement innovative projects that enhance the quality of life for people with lung diseases and increase public awareness of lung health. 

The program focuses on scientifically validated, interprofessional, multi-stakeholder approaches.

Digital COPD Coach

Launched in 2023, the program began with the development of a Digital COPD Coach (DCC), which combines a telemedicine module with COPD patient education and empowerment.

Lung Symposium

On November 30, 2023, the Lung Symposium focused on the theme Closing the Gap Between Science and Routine Health Care Delivery – The Art of Implementation. More than 70 experts from science and healthcare presented solutions to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice in lung health.

Three key areas were identified and prioritized for further exploration within the framework of PLuS:

• Improving patient care for COPD – including the program Besser leben mit COPD and the digitale COPD-Coach (DCC) BENECURA-App.
• Promoting smoke-free environments to improve public health
• Early detection of COPD

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In addition, a research project was recognized at the symposium.

The Importance of early detection in COPD

Chronic lung diseases, including COPD, asthma, interstitial lung diseases and pulmonary hypertension, affect more than 15% of the Swiss population. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can significantly prevent their progression into symptomatic states, which severely impact quality of life and increase mortality rates.

Early detection workshop 

Recognizing the critical importance of early detection, PLuS organized a COPD Early Detection workshop on December 4th, 2024. This event brought together key stakeholders, including medical experts, industry representatives, health insurance companies, and other relevant professionals, to develop a common understanding and brainstorm strategies for the early detection of COPD in Switzerland. 

During the initial workshop, stakeholders collaborated to draft a common project canvas and committed to formally launching the project. The next step involves developing the project roadmap, which will be the focus of the second workshop with the stakeholders in september 2025.