Assessing the knowledge and enthusiasm for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Uganda: Global RECHARGE

Abstract

Method: Assessing the knowledge and enthusiasm for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Uganda: Global RECHARGE Introduction: Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR), a low cost non-drug treatment for chronic lung disease (CLD) patients is becoming increasingly popular in low and middle income countries (LMICs) where the burden of CLDs is rapidly increasing. However, little is known about health care workers’(HCW) knowledge about PR or patient awareness about this treatment. Objective: To assess health care worker knowledge on Pulmonary Rehabilitation and to assess the enthusiasm for Pulmonary Rehabilitation by patients with CLD in Uganda. Methods: A survey was conducted to collect the opinions of patients with CLD, including post-TB lung disease, and from HCWs who may refer patients or deliver PR. Results: Overall, 20 HCWs and 20 CLD patients (10 (50%) female) participated in the survey. Among patients with CLD, the majority (85%) reported difficulty in breathing and 70% reported their breathing affected their ability to do paid and unpaid work. Interest in PR was high among CLD patients (90%) with preference for a hospital based program (78%). Among HCWs, all considered PR to be important in lung disease management but many (70%) don’t refer patients because they don’t have enough information about PR. Conclusion: Patients with CLD, including post-TB lung disease, in Uganda were greatly troubled by breathlessness and are willing to participate in PR. HCWs agreed that PR is worthwhile in the management of CLD but they do not have enough information to refer a patient to PR at present. Uptake of PR may be increased by sensitizing referrers about PR and educating patients about the benefits of the PR programs.