Abstract
Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) are among the leading cause of mortality worldwide. More than half of people with CRDs live in low-and middle-income countries. Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is a core component of the management of patients with CRDs but it is still not routinely offered. This first national survey on PR in Lebanon assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among pulmonologists based on socio-demographic characteristics. The study also provides suggestions for further implementation of PR.
A quantitative cross-sectional study design was adopted using a 25-item structured, self-administrated questionnaire. This survey was conducted among pulmonologists at a regional conference of the Lebanese Pneumology Society (LPS). One week after the initial survey, the questionnaire was sent via email to all pulmonologists wo were registered within the LPS but did not attend the conference. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, SPSS software (version 24).
The response rate was 40%. Results show that only one-third of the respondents have a good knowledge about the nature and multidisciplinary content of PR. Pulmonologists generally support PR. However, they are facing several barriers to refer patients to PR. We did not find any statistically significant variation among the respondents.
The role of physicians in promoting patient's enrolment should be optimized and exploited in the country. The access barriers identified can help to develop PR programs and to improve PR referral and enrolment rates.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 73.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020