| Title: | An overview of the establishment and implementation of a Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme for COPD and Asthma patients in Cork University Hospital during a global pandemic |
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| Author(s): | O’Grady M, Bowen B, Plant B, Kennedy M, Henry M, Murphy D |
| Institution: | Cork University Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | Asthma and COPD |
| Abstract: | In a time of unprecedented requirement to adhere to HSE guidance on infection control and public health guidance on social distancing, there has been a necessity to turn to technology to enhance and optimise patient management. A virtual pulmonary rehabilitation (VPR) programme was established in CUH for patients on the waiting list for conventional PR. 13 patients were contacted, 6 accepted enrolment and 4 completed the first VPR programme which comprised of a 7 week group exercise and education programme using the WebEx Platform. 1min STS test was used to assess functional exercise capacity. The HADS, CAT and MMRC were completed pre and post programme. Results were analysed using a t-test. Mean age of participants was 68 years. (75% COPD, 25% ACOS). Mean improvement in 1min STS = 8.75 repetitions (P 0.067). Each patient improved by >7 reps with an improvement ≥3 showing clinical significance. There were non significant improvements in CAT. In this small pilot study, a VPR programme has shown to be an effective way of improving exercise capacity at a time when it is not feasible to run conventional PR programmes. |
