Care integration between general practitioners and pulmonologists – COPD as an example

RIZIV recognition number: 26010711

The care for COPD patients presents a shared challenge for general practitioners and pulmonologists.

The condition requires not only medical accuracy but also smooth collaboration and communication between healthcare providers.

But is it always possible to ensure that collaboration runs effectively?

This training clarifies what is needed to organize COPD care in an integrated and patient-centered manner.

The course starts from the current challenges in the care for COPD patients in Belgium. You will gain insight into structural bottlenecks and learn which conditions are essential for a strong primary care practice, including teamwork, appropriate funding, dual practice flow, risk stratification, and regional collaboration. Models such as PLEXUS and the rainbow model illustrate how integrated care can be concretely implemented.

Additionally, the GOLD classification, treatment goals, and relevant interventions will be discussed. You will explore how a transmurally care pathway is constructed and what role each healthcare provider plays in it. The general practitioner remains the central figure in follow-up and coordination, with support from the team. Themes such as advance care planning and task distribution make the whole approach practically applicable.

After this training, you will function more smoothly as a general practitioner within a well-coordinated care network.