PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Agnieszka Lewko
AU  - Stephanie K.M. Harlow
AU  - Paul MacDonald
AU  - Melanie Irvin-Sellers
TI  - Effects of post exacerbation pulmonary rehabilitation (PEPR) on exercise tolerance, quality of life (QoL), anxiety, depression and healthcare utilisation
AID  - 10.1183/13993003.congress-2015.OA478
DP  - 2015 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - OA478
VI  - 46
IP  - suppl 59
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/OA478.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/suppl_59/OA478.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2015 Sep 01; 46
AB  - Introduction and Background: PEPR improves exercise tolerance, quality of life(QoL) and healthcare (HC) utilisation in COPD patients. It has not been established if RCT results can be replicated in a real-world practice.Aims and Objectives: This study evaluates effects of PEPR on exercise tolerance, QoL and HC utilisation in a general population.Methods: Data were collected prospectively from patients referred for PEPR from December 2013 to October 2014. Outcome measures were ISWT, ESWT, CAT, and Breathing Problem Questionnaire (BPQ). HC utilisation was measured by 30(30R) and 90 day(90R) readmissions and Emergency Visits (30EV &90EV). Wilcoxon rank, paired t-test, and Chi2 were calculated in SPSS 22.Results: 112 patients were referred. 50(45%) declined to attend and 38(34%) completed PEPR. There were significant improvements in mean (SD) ISWT (50.3(10.2)m, p<0.001), ESWT (7.1(6.2)min, p<0.001), BPQ(p=0.001) and CAT(p=0.002). Table 1 shows the HC utilisation in patients who completed and declined PEPR. View this table:Table 1. 30 and 90 day Readmissions and Emergency VisitsThere were more EV (30 vs.9) and readmissions (20 vs.4) in PEPR decliners compare to completers. Considering savings associated with 151 fewer bed days and accounting for staffing outlays the cost benefit of PEPR was £30 670(€41 411).Conclusions: Results suggest that PEPR in general population has a significant impact on QoL and exercise tolerance with significant reduction in HC utilisation and associated cost benefits.