Guidelines for Physiotherapeutic Management in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Abstract

A national practice guideline (NPG) for physiotherapy management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been developed. This guideline aims to decrease the variation in practice patterns and to increase the efficiency of treatment, thereby increasing the quality of care in this group of patients. The NPG was systematically developed and drafted by clinical experts in the field of COPD. Systematic reviews of the literature were used to assess the efficacy of physiotherapy interventions in COPD. The appropriate interventions were then incorporated in the NPG. Where no evidence-based strategies were found, consensus among the expert group was used. The NPG was approved by the Royal Dutch Physical Therapy Association after being tested in practice. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for effective management of patients with COPD are described in the guideline. To improve the quality of care in patients with COPD, the use of this NPG is recommended.