Cough Assessment and Management in Pulmonary Rehabilitation– A Canadian Survey

Pulmonary rehabilitation is a cornerstone intervention for controlling respiratory symptoms in people with chronic respiratory diseases. Chronic cough affects up to 90% of people with chronic respiratory diseases, however, it is currently unknown whether chronic cough is assessed and/or managed in pulmonary rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine if and how chronic cough is assessed and managed in pulmonary rehabilitation. This was a cross-sectional study. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs in Canada were identified via online websites. A representative from each program was invited to complete an online survey including the following topics: program demographics, assessment and management practices, and barriers and facilitators. Of 133 programs contacted, 31 returned a completed survey (23% response rate). Approximately half (52%) of respondents reported enrolling patients with chronic cough. Of those, 45% reported assessing and 62% reported intervening in chronic cough. Inadequate knowledge of assessment and management techniques was commonly identified to be a barrier and increased education was suggested as a possible facilitator. Based on pulmonary rehabilitation programs that responded to our survey, chronic cough is a prevalent symptom; however, it is scarcely assessed and managed. A need for structured education and the use of standardised strategies were reported as facilitators to the assessment and management of chronic cough in pulmonary rehabilitation.