Empowering Family Doctors in COPD Care. Hands-on learning in treatment guidelines, inhaler technique, and patient motivation
Vera BONGAERTS, Laurens VAN GESTEL, Hine VAN OS, Steven HAGEMAN, Jannick DORRESTEIJN, Mattijs NUMANS and Rimke VOS
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is frequently managed in primary care. Family physicians play a central role in early diagnosis, treatment initiation, inhaler education, and long-term follow-up. Despite clear evidence-based guidelines, gaps remain in optimal pharmacologic management, proper inhaler technique, and effective communication that supports patient adherence. This one-hour interactive workshop is designed to strengthen practical COPD management skills and provide family physicians with hands-on tools they can immediately apply in clinical practice.The primary objective of this workshop is to enhance the knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills of family physicians managing COPD. The session will focus on guideline-based treatment selection, correct inhaler technique, and motivational interviewing strategies to improve patient adherence and outcomes.The workshop will be delivered through three rotating interactive stations, each approximately 15 minutes, followed by a brief summary: Station 1 – GOLD Guidelines & Evidence-Based Pharmacologic Treatment (15 min) – Review of the GOLD framework for diagnosis and severity assessment – Stepwise pharmacologic management based on symptom burden and exacerbation risk – Practical pearls for tailoring treatment to the individual patient Station 2 – Hands-On Inhaler Technique Training (15 min) – Demonstration and practice of metered-dose inhalers, dry-powder inhalers, and nebulizers – Identifying common technique errors – Teaching strategies for patient education in a busy clinic Station 3 – Basics of Motivational Interviewing for COPD Adherence (15 min) – Introduction to motivational interviewing principles – Role-playing with real-world COPD scenarios – Practical communication tools for enhancing medication adherence and lifestyle change 5-minute closing summary and Q&ABy the end of this workshop, participants will: – Gain a clear understanding of current GOLD-based treatment strategies – Improve their ability to teach and assess proper inhaler technique – Strengthen communication skills using motivational interviewing to promote patient engagement and adherenceThis practical, skills-based symposium equips family physicians with essential tools to improve COPD management in primary care. By combining guideline knowledge, hands-on inhaler training, and effective communication strategies, the workshop aims to support better patient outcomes and more confident clinical decision-making
