The complexity of managing COPD exacerbations: a grounded theory study of European general practice.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To understand the concerns and challenges faced by general practitioners (GPs) and respiratory physicians about primary care management of acute exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Design

21 focus group discussions (FGDs) were performed in seven countries with a Grounded Theory approach. Each country performed three rounds of FGDs.

Setting

Primary and secondary care in Norway, Germany, Wales, Poland, Russia, The Netherlands, China (Hong Kong).

Participants

142 GPs and respiratory physicians were chosen to include urban and rural GPs as well as hospital-based and out patient-clinic respiratory physicians.

Results

Management of acute COPD exacerbations is dealt with within a scope of concerns. These conce

SUBMITTER: Risor MB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3856618 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature