Interstitial Lung Disease management across Germany: A nationwide, cross-sectional survey among pulmonologists and rheumatologists to evaluate possible differences in regional and intersectoral care

Background Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a heterogenous group characterized by varying degrees of inflammation and fibrosis. Diagnosis and treatment are often challenging and require close interdisciplinary collaboration between specialists. Although national guidelines exist in Germany, previous research has shown significant regional and institutional variation in routine ILD management. However, much of this research has focused on specific subgroups or retrospective analyses, and there is limited comprehensive, nationwide real-world data on ILD management. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by conducting a national survey to evaluate differences in regional and intersectoral care, current practices, barriers to guideline adherence, and unmet educational needs. Methods The CareILD study is a non-interventional, cross-sectional, web-based survey of 200-400 pulmonologists and rheumatologists in Germany, investigating quantitative and qualitative aspects of ILD management. Participation is voluntary, anonymous, and compliant with data protection and ethical standards. Eligible participants practice in outpatient, hospital, or institutional settings, with or without multidisciplinary teams or ILD boards. Data collection is planned for January-March 2026. Results The primary outcome will evaluate regional variations in the management of ILDs in German healthcare settings. Secondary outcomes will explore perceived ILD management efficiency, possible causes of differences in ILD management, specialists’ perspectives on guideline adherence, and medical education needs related to diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. By capturing insights from a broad range of different care settings, the survey aims to provide a comprehensive, nationwide overview of current clinical pathways and perceived challenges in ILD management. Conclusion The CareILD study will generate a nationwide snapshot of ILD management in Germany. By capturing specialists’ perspectives across diverse clinical settings, it will identify regional variations, guideline implementation barriers, and unmet needs in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Findings aim to guide targeted medical education, harmonize care pathways, and improve the quality and consistency of ILD patient management. Publication History Article published online: 04 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany