One of the many disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is the closure of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs throughout the country. Fortunately, there are resources available to help patients maintain a semblance of normalcy during this crisis. A guidance document released by the American Thoracic Society offers suggestions on filling the pulmonary rehab void while the pandemic keeps programs closed.
The document warns that it is not intended to replace center-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs. “To date, home PR alternatives have not had a robust body of evidence to suggest they are a substitute for center-based PR. A key concept is that, for the immediate future, PR is unlikely to be delivered with the patient and the provider face-to-face. The following approaches are offered as possible models to help patients initiate or continue rehabilitative programs in collaboration with a clinical team. This document is shared to help provide options in the current challenging circumstances and should not be considered an endorsement of any individual program model. ”
Click on the link below to read the home-based PR guidance document:
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Resources in a Complex and Rapidly Changing World.pdf