Glenn Leemans,1 Dirk Vissers,1 Kris Ides,2– 4 Paul Van Royen5 1Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; 2Cosys-Lab, Flanders Make, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; 3Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium; 4Department of Pediatrics, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium; 5Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, BelgiumCorrespondence: Glenn Leemans, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, Wilrijk, 2610, Belgium, Tel +32 495 34 84 59, Email glenn.leemans@student.uantwerpen.beBackground: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex and heterogeneous condition that requires multidisciplinary management. In Belgium, the treatment of COPD is mainly managed by general practitioners (GPs). Several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) recommend the use of non-pharmacological treatments, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, and interdisciplinary care for COPD patients. Although considerable research has been devoted to addressing the multitude of reasons for the lack of adherence to these aspects of the CPGs, less attention has been paid to understanding the perspectives and attitudes of GPs that lead to this suboptimal implementation.Purpose: This study aimed to 1) explore Belgian GPs’ perceptions regarding COPD management in a primary care setting and 2) collect their views on the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation and interprofessional care in COPD management.Methods: A descriptive study, conducted between August 2014 and May 2015, used interviews from a sample of 30 Flemish GPs. Data were analyzed following the principles of thematic analysis.Results: COPD management was patient-centered, focusing on immediate symptom relief and reducing future risks through ...