Best Practices for the Management of Patients with Non-Tuberculous Mycobacterial Pulmonary Disease According to a German Nationwide Analysis of Expert Centers

Non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) is a chronic inflammatory lung caused by infection with non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). International guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations on appropriate diagnosis and treatment strategies, but there need for sharing day-to-day best practice between centers to optimize patient care. This particularly valuable rare diseases like NTM-PD. In this cross-sectional analysis of NTM-PD management in Germany, medical administrative staff from seven were interviewed identify the diagnosis, treatment, ongoing patients NTM-PD, including related hospital infrastructure administration processes. A prioritization led collection practices which presented here. Selected current included performance regular sputum tests use reports, follow-up visits as well increased interaction physicians across different specialties. Future that may be implemented overcome barriers comprised awareness activities, empowerment, new approaches enhance physician interaction. Challenges their implementation are also discussed will help raise awareness. The guide other centers.