Home-based Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme (VPR) for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Asthma.

Title: Home-based Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme (VPR) for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and Asthma.
Author(s): M. O’Reilly, C. Gillen and J. Smith
Institution: Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
Poster: Click to view poster
Category: Asthma and COPD
Abstract: VPR is an evidence-based live physiotherapy led exercise and education programme for patients with IPF, Asthma and COPD. It utilises technology to deliver twice weekly classes for seven weeks; eliminating both the cost and inconvenience of travel often reported as barriers in attending traditional programmes.1,2

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic patients attended the hospital for their pre and post assessments, which included exercise tolerance, quality of life(QOL) and falls assessments, patients also received on-going technology training. Due to the COVID 19 restrictions modifications were made to allow assessments to be completed virtually therefore reducing unnecessary presentation of high-risk patients to the hospital.

Preliminary results from three programmes (20 participants) have demonstrated significant clinical improvements in both exercise capacity and QOL status comparable to traditional PR programmes. Since beginning VPR, patients saved 15,731km and 302 hours in travel. High levels of acceptability (93.7%) and self-efficacy improving confidence to exercise at home (98%) were reported.

VPR allowed high-risk patients safe access to a PR programme throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic. This alternative model is the first of its kind nationally and through collaboration with the National Clinical Programme for Respiratory formed the basis for the national guidelines on VPR during COVID-19.


References:
1. Almadana V, Romero C, Valido A, Gómez-Bastero A, Sánchez J, Montemayor T. Profile of Patients Who Drop out of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Chest. 2014;145(3):370A.
2. Keating A, Lee A, Holland A. What prevents people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from attending pulmonary rehabilitation? A systematic review. Chronic Respiratory Disease. 2011;8(2):89-99.