Long-term management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A survey of collaboration among physicians involved in pulmonary rehabilitation in Japan

Most chest physicians in Japan were not satisfied with the status of long-term COPD management. PR for COPD patients and collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists remain problematic in Japan. Moreover, there are widespread regional differences in terms of implementation. Sharing and implementing appropriate clinical information with primary care physicians according to current clinical guidelines should be emphasized.