Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a disease characterized by restricted airflow that is not completely reversible. In most cases, COPD is a progressive lung disease associated with an exaggerated inflammatory response to harmful particles or gases. In addition, exacerbations and comorbidity contribute to the overall severity of the disease. COPD is one of the biggest public health problems – it is the fourth leading cause of death in the world. The increasing need for palliative care in COPD is becoming one of the major problems facing Western societies (including Croatia) today. The aim of this research was to determine by using SPICT the need for palliative care for COPD patients who experienced an unplanned hospitalization due to the deterioration of the symptoms of the underlying disease. The study included 70 patients who were hospitalized for COPD for six months at the Clinical Center for Pulmonary Diseases Jordanovac. The research shows that there is a need for palliative care and that more effort needs to be put into informing patients about the medical treatment for COPD. In addition, the findings suggest that some patients need residential care. 5 general and 3 specific indicators that point to the worsening of the disease were used for screening a sample of COPD patients who experienced an unplanned hospitalization. The analysis points to a significantly higher percentage of patients within this category who are candidates for some form of palliative care. One general indicator (“two or more unplanned hospitalizations in the last six months”) is found in 41 (58.6 %) patients, and other general indicators are present in 34 to 41% of patients. There are several specific respiratory symptoms, but “dyspnea” was reported in 53 (75.7 %) patients, and 45 (64%) patients reported a “long-term need for oxygen therapy”, whereas mechanical ventilation was indicated in three patients. The three latter patients were among the only four cases of when palliative care was recommended after discharge. The statistical analysis shows a statistically significant longer hospital treatment, readmission into another hospital (instead of being discharged), and shows a greater likelihood of fatal outcome in patients with a “bad status or deterioration (needs assistance, 50% of the time in bed”), “two or more unplanned hospitalizations in the last six months and “persistent, severe symptoms despite treatment.” In patients with “weight loss of 5-10% in the last 3-6 months or BMI <20" (26 or 37.1%) there is also a statistically significant mortality rate that points to the need for earlier nutritionist counseling as a part of palliative care for COPD patients. The research undoubtedly point to the potential benefits of SPICT for COPD patients; however, the possibilities for the wider use of SPICT can be created only when the strengthening of the palliative care system is achieved.