Improving Pulmonary Rehabilitation Referral and Uptake for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder

Abstract Participation in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) improves exercise capacity and quality of life and reduces readmissions and mortality. Despite its benefits, PR is underutilized in the treatment of COPD. Referral to PR is impacted by provider knowledge of who and how to refer, the burden of making a referral, the provider’s positive or negative influence and accessibility to a PR program. In contrast uptake of PR by patients is impacted by patient knowledge of what PR entails and how it will help their health. This project aimed to increase referrals to PR at a rural health clinic in Southern Illinois by increasing provider knowledge of what PR entails, improving confidence in who, when and how to refer to PR and improving patient knowledge about PR and how it can improve health. This project equipped providers with materials to use when discussing PR with patients, provided educational posters in examination rooms at the clinic, and measured PR referrals as well as provider’s knowledge and comfort levels in referring COPD patients to PR. The project increased provider confidence in discussing PR and knowing how and when to refer. It is unclear whether the project led to increased referrals to PR. Suggestions for further interventions to improve uptake of PR by COPD patients at this clinic include implementing a prompt in the EHR, annual reassessment and documentation of COPD symptoms, and a post COPD exacerbation bundle. Keywords: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease COPD, Pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation referral, COPD treatment, COPD management, pulmonary rehabilitation benefits