A digitally enhanced pulmonary rehabilitation approach for COPD during COVID-19 using myCOPD

Abstract

Introduction: March 2020 saw traditional pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) delivery suspended due to COVID-19.  Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) service quickly adapted to deliver remote, digitally supported PR using myCOPD.

Aim: To explore myCOPD PR acceptability, CAT score usage and to assess the impact on functional outcomes using the 1-minute Sit to Stand Test (SST).

Method: myCOPD was offered to COPD patients referred into the service, with access to the internet. Patients were enrolled for 6 weeks, with SST recorded at the start and end, and CAT score usage recorded.

Results: 72 patients enrolled on myCOPD between Jun-Oct 2020. 49 (68%) completed the 6-week course. National average for completion of conventional PR is 62% (1). 49 of 72 patients (68%) had both start and end SST assessments with a total of 33 (67%) patients achieved an improvement.  National average is 59.8% for remote delivery (1). 70 (97%) distinct users entered 235 CAT scores ranging from 1 to 29. Use continues, with 103 patients now registered. 102 (99%) have accessed educational video content with a total of 2788 views, and 85 patients (83%) have accessed the PR course with 1286 views.

Conclusion: The Kent CHFT PR team have shown great resilience in the face of the challenges brought about by COVID-19.   Patients have been supported through a flexible and accessible PR service delivery model. Results show that clinical use of myCOPD can help address both current and pre-COVID-19 service challenges.

References: 1. Royal College of Physicians, 2020. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Audit report. (NACAP) (Accessed 15 Feb 2021). https://www.nacap.org.uk/nacap/welcome.nsf/reportsPR.html