| Title: | Implementation of a Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme for patients with chronic respiratory disease in response to the Covid-19 pandemic |
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| Author(s): | C. Baily-Scanlan B. Kehoe E. Moloney |
| Institution: | Physiotherapy Department, Dublin South West, CHO7, Professorial Respiratory Centre, Tallaght University Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | COPD/Asthma |
| Abstract: | Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is one of the most effective and efficient treatments for patients with chronic lung conditions(1). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, face to face PR classes across the country were suspended. The community-based PR staff in Dublin South West sustained the delivery of PR through a virtual medium, which has previously been shown to be safe and feasible (2). 43 patients were referred to the virtual PR (VPR) service. Of these, 14 declined due to technical issues, 19 were assessed and suitable and the remaining 10 were unsuitable. Patients were invited to log onto the HSE approved digital platform Attend Anywhere or attend in person, depending on public health advice, for their initial and post assessments. Classes were delivered via Attend Anywhere and ran twice a week for 8 weeks. 52% (n=10) of participants showed significant improvement in their health status using the COPD Assessment Tool. 63% (n=12) showed significant improvement in exercise tolerance, using either the 1 minute sit-to-stand or 6 minute walk test. Three patients dropped out of the programme. VPR has been shown to be effective for a select group of patients who have both the equipment and technological literacy to engage in it. Although it will not replace traditional face to face PR, it will continue be a vital method to enable continued access and prevent service interruption in the future. References: 1. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Report. Global strategy of the diagnosis, management, and prevention of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. www.goldcopd.org 2020 [Google Scholar] 2. Knox L, Dunning M, Davies CA, et al. Safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of virtual pulmonary rehabilitation in the real world. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2019; 14:775–780. Published 2019 Apr 8. doi:10.2147/COPD.S193827 |
