How do healthcare professionals perceive physical activity prescription for community-dwelling people with COPD in Australia? A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives Clinical practice guidelines recommend that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be encouraged to increase their physical activity levels. However, it is not clear how these guidelines are applied in clinical practice. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of respiratory healthcare professionals on the provision of physical activity advice to people with COPD. These perspectives may shed light on the translation of physical activity recommendations into clinical practice. Design A qualitative study using thematic analysis. Setting Healthcare professionals who provided care for people with COPD at two major tertiary referral hospitals in Victori..