The effects of an innovative GP-physiotherapist partnership in improving COPD management in primary care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Evidence suggests that management of people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in primary care has been suboptimal, in particular, with low referral rates to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a GP-physiotherapist partnership in optimising management of COPD in primary care.

Methods

A pragmatic, pilot, before and after study was conducted in four general practices in Australia. A senior cardiorespiratory physiotherapist was partnered with each general practice. Adults with a history of smoking and/or COPD, aged ≥ 40 years with ≥ 2 practice visits in the previous year were recruited following spirometric confirmation of COPD. Intervention was provided by the physiotherapist at the general practic

SUBMITTER: Pagano L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10332030 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature