Self-management, Patient Education and Multidisciplinary Care in Chronic Pulmonary Disease: An Integrated Approach to Pulmonary Rehabilitation

The management of chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) requires a holistic approach that extends beyond pharmacotherapy. This review examines the clinical evidence and strategic importance of self-management, patient education, and multidisciplinary care within the framework of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). By reviewing recent international guidelines (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease [GOLD] 2023, American Thoracic Society [ATS] 2023) and relevant literature, this article analyzes key non-pharmacological interventions for optimizing CPD management. Current evidence suggests that effective self-management, increasingly supported by digital monitoring tools and written action plans, facilitates early recognition of exacerbations. Moreover, patient education strategies are shifting from simple information delivery to behavioral change, utilizing methods like "teach-back" to enhance self-efficacy, particularly in older adults with low health literacy. Additionally, a multidisciplinary team approach is identified as a key component to address complex conditions such as frailty, sarcopenia, and cardiovascular comorbidities through comprehensive assessment and individualized interventions. Ultimately, integrating self-management, structured education, and multidisciplinary care is essential for improving quality of life and reducing healthcare utilization in CPD patients. Future management strategies should incorporate telerehabilitation and personalized PR to ensure sustainable, long-term health outcomes in this multimorbid population.