Improving accessibility to pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and supporting patients to realise optimal benefits of this course through an understanding of how to manage their breathlessness are the aims of our pulmonary rehabilitation services which we currently provide to six NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups across England.
Led by respiratory physiotherapists or nurses and following BTS Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation, our multi-disciplinary teams conduct initial assessments before inviting suitable patients to attend a twice-weekly six-week group exercise and education programme. Our completion assessments review improvements in fitness tolerance as well as other quality-of life-factors, such as anxiety, using internationally-recognised and validated questionnaires.
Recognising that removing barriers to participation is crucial in encouraging patients to take part in pulmonary rehabilitation, we host rolling programmes in community-based venues such as village halls or leisure centres in key localities across the CCG geography. We look at innovative approaches for those patients who are unable to attend the group sessions and we proactively manage DNAs.