Abstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is responsible for 24 million lost working days in the UK per year. The average age of diagnosis has decreased (James, G. et al. Thorax 2009;66:A154). Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is traditionally offered during weekday working hours. Data collected by our group suggested 56% of referrers did not refer patients unable to attend due to weekday work commitments. 81% of referrers reported PR outside of working hours would be worthwhile.
Aim: To pilot a Saturday shortened PR program over four weeks for participants with work commitments.
Method: Participants were recruited from primary care. Participants were offered four sessions, once per week on Saturday.
Patient experience and satisfaction was assessed with the Understanding COPD questionnaire (UCOPD,PartB) and verbal feedback. Outcome measures included Incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) and COPD assessment test (CAT).
Results: Three out of six participants completed the programme of four sessions. Feedback collected at the end of the programme reported high levels of satisfaction however they reported the programme was too short. The UCOPD indicated participants were 100% satisfied with the education sessions delivered. ISWT showed a mean(SD) change of 83(188)m and CAT showed a mean change of -3(9). No change in HADS.
Limitations of this pilot include small sample size and shortened programme.
Conclusion: This pilot demonstrates a potential need to offer patients with COPD, who are continuing to work, a PR program outside of traditional working hours. It is feasible and well received by participants.
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