Rapid access rehabilitation after exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A Delphi study

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves function and health-related quality of life following acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). There is increasing interest in initiating rapid access rehabilitation (RAR) within 48 h of AECOPD discharge, to facilitate transition to home and conventional PR. In this report, we identify the practical considerations for the design and implementation of a RAR program. Healthcare professionals (HCP), policymakers (PM), and patients living with COPD were invited to participate in a 2-round e-Delphi process. They provided feedback on five RAR themes, identified from semi-structured interviews, using a 6-point Likert scale. The initial round 1 questionnaire included 196 statements for HCP and PM and 144 for patients. A total of 38 participants were enrolled (17 HCP, 12 PM, and 9 patients). Participants agreed that RAR should be initiated within 1 to 3 weeks of discharge for motivated patients with frequent exacerbations and those with co-existing health conditions. The consensus was for a hybrid format, of 1 to 2-h sessions, several times a week for a total duration of 4 to 6 weeks, with the structure being modified by patients’ preferences. Factors to improve referral and uptake included educating patients and HCP about RAR benefits and having a patient ambassador to support patients. Stakeholders reached consensus around characteristics for participant eligibility, program structure, treatment priorities, outcome measures, approaches to facilitate referral, uptake and implementation of RAR. Such information forms the basis of a testable RAR program for patients transitioning home from hospital or referred for PR following an AECOPD.