This article requires a subscription to view the full text. If you have a subscription you may use the login form below to view the article. Access to this article can also be purchased.
Introduction
Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves symptoms, quality of life, and reduces hospitalizations in patients with COPD.1–5 Despite high certainty evidence underlying the benefits of PR, it remains underutilized.6 Lack of transportation limits participation, particularly among older adults living in rural regions.7,8 Home-based PR is viewed as a possible alternative to center-based rehabilitation. We conducted a proof-of-concept study of virtual group home-based PR facilitated by a peer coach.9,10
Methods
Study Population
The study was approved by our institution's investigational review board. Nineteen patients with COPD Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II or higher learned about the study from an investigator (DO) after which a second investigator (TT) performed a targeted chart review to confirm eligibility. Patients with a history of falls; medical condition precluding participation in exercise; and inability to engage in a video call due to hearing, visual, and/or cognitive impairment were excluded (n = 2). Patients were invited to participate by telephone. Four were not reached, and 4 declined to participate. A consent form, stretch band, pulse oximeter, and pre-addressed stamped envelope were mailed to 9 subjects who agreed to participate.
Data Collection
Demographic and clinical characteristics; St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) (https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/632861/St-George-Respiratory-SGR-Questionnaire.pdf. Accessed January 16, 2023); and Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activity, Social Functioning, Dyspnea Task Avoidance, and Physical Functioning instruments (https://www.healthmeasures.net/search-view-measures) were administered by telephone (by TT), and the responses were entered into an Excel spreadsheet. PROMIS instruments permit comparison of self-reported outcomes across studies including heterogenous populations. Patients with COPD often have more than one serious chronic illness and relatively poor health status across many domains, including physical, mental, and social function. Because it is often difficult for patients to attribute their symptoms to a specific disease, generic health-related …
Correspondence: Trusha Tank MD, BerkshireMedical Center, 725 North St, Pittsfield, MA 01201. E-mail: drtrusha07{at}gmail.com
Pay Per Article - You may access this article (from the computer you are currently using) for 1 day for US$30.00
Regain Access - You can regain access to a recent Pay per Article purchase if your access period has not yet expired.
