Telerehabilitation services have declined post-COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To characterize Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) service delivery, investigate the impact of the pandemic on PR services, and describe centre-based PR (CBPR) and telerehabilitation with reference to PR essential components. Design: Online national cross-sectional survey. Setting: Australian PR services. Participants: Representatives of PR programs listed within the Lung Foundation Australia national database (n=295). Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measure(s): Availability of PR in CBPR and telerehabilitation settings. Results: 97% of Australian PR services (n=114/117) delivered CBPR, similarly to pre-COVID-19 pandemic availability (96%). 43% (n=50/116) of services delivered telerehabilitation, which was significantly less than availability during COVID-19 restrictions (74%; p<0.001). CBPR was primarily delivered in a group setting (99%; median (IQR) 7 (6-8) participants/group), and telerehabilitation primarily via individual telephone calls (94%). 39% of respondents report CBPR group size has reduced. PR essential components of initial centre-based assessments and individually prescribed/progressed endurance and resistance training were achieved by most CBPR and telerehabilitation programs. Staff training in delivery of telerehabilitation models was undertaken in 33% of services. Conclusions: PR essential components are generally met in current Australian programs. However, telerehabilitation services and CBPR program capacity have declined indicating reduced program capacity. Sustainability of effective PR programs is required to support access for people with chronic respiratory diseases.