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Alternative Therapy for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Moving Cupping Along Meridians
Published on: September 27, 2024
Acute exacerbations of COPD: recommendations for integrated care
Geertjan Wesseling1, Hubertus Jm Vrijhoef
1Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands. g.wesseling@lung.azm.nl
Abstract:
Acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPDs) are significant events that come with high costs for patients and for society. Initial management of exacerbations consists of pharmacotherapy and a reassessment of pre-existing management and self-management strategies. Currently, care for AECOPDs is often suboptimal. Integrated care consisting of self-management support, delivery system design, decision support and clinical information systems will probably improve the quality of healthcare delivery for patients with AECOPDs. In this review, we summarize current knowledge related to the epidemiology and management of AECOPDs, identify shortcomings in current clinical practice and give recommendations for innovative, integrated and optimized care for these patients.
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