| Title: | Wait to Move |
|---|---|
| Author(s): | M Reilly |
| Institution: | Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | Asthma and COPD |
| Abstract: | BTS Quality Standards for Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR)1 states that patients accepted to enrol in PR should commence their programme within 3 months of receipt of referral. The aim of the study was to reduce PR waiting list in OLOLH from 13 months to 3 months. Analysis of existing service identified a number of inefficiencies: 1) inappropriate referrals 2) patients not attending assessment, 3) patients dropping out. To improve the standard of referral the Respiratory team was educated on referral criteria and the PR program. A new referral form and patient information leaflet was introduced. To improve uptake and completion rate a compulsory information talk was introduced for patients. Waiting list times reduced to 10 weeks. Completion rate increased from 56% to 77%. Improvements were noted in exercise tolerance (89%), dyspnoea (44%), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) health status(95%) and confidence levels in self-management of their disease(96%). The new referral form was effective in reducing inappropriate referrals while ensuring appropriate patient uptake and completion of PR. Patients continued to yield improvements in their exercise tolerance, symptoms and knowledge of their chronic lung disease. The PR waiting list in OLOLH is in line with BTS PR Quality Standards 2014. References: 1. Bolton C, Blakey J, Morgan M. The British Thoracic Society guideline on pulmonary rehabilitation in adults: your opinion is noted. Thorax. 2014;69(4):388-389. |
