[Patient training in obstructive respiratory tract diseases--the status in Germany]

An analysis of the situation in respect of the activity of the Working Group "Patient Training" of the German Society of Pneumology reveals that the development has been a positive one. During the period under scrutiny (1988-1990) the patient training measures were markedly broadened for patients suffering from obstructive airway diseases. A significant increase took place in specialised hospitals and in the medical practices of physicians. Patients suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema were trained both for coping with their individual diseases and with subsequent and concomitant diseases. On the whole, about 18,000 patients were trained in Germany. Both own material and in an increasing measure material supplied by the pharmaceutical industry was successfully employed. Although most of the trainers are physicians, these are being increasingly joined by nurses and physiotherapists. In the consulting-rooms of practising physicians, patient training is performed mainly up to two hours after consulting hours, especially in the evening. Preferred subjects are technique of inhalation, problems of therapy and causes of airway diseases. Second in importance after the individual talk with the patient is the group discussion. To spread patient training it will be necessary to set up pilot units: however, the medical professional organisations should also help in translating the project into reality. Standardisation of training measures for clinic and practice is planned and will be a future target for the working group. The aim is to officially integrate training measures into the therapeutic concept in obstructive airway disease also for practising physicians.