Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) capacity, uptake and completion rate in the East of England

Abstract

Introduction: PR is key in the management of chronic respiratory disease 1 . Despite its supportive evidence, access to PR remains an issue in the UK. Additionally, variation exists in both uptake and completion of PR 2 . The EoE Strategic Clinical Network (SCN) collected regional PR data showing great variation in access, uptake and completion rate. The SCN aimed to address this through our PR network. Method: In 2011, a regional PR Network was formed to enable improvements through sharing of best practice and the collection of meaningful data. A data-set was agreed and quarterly data was collected from all providers. We collected the number of available PR places and the number of people starting and completing PR for each locality. Data was shared with commissioners and providers through CCG-specific reports, providing data and making recommendations for improvements. Strategies for improvement were discussed during network meetings. Results: Compared to 13/14, regional PR capacity increased by 216 places (3.3%) between 13/14 and 15/16. Uptake of available PR places remained the same at 73% in 14/15 compared to 13/14. PR completion rate increased from 62% in 13/14 to 65% in 14/15. Conclusion: An improvement was seen in both PR capacity as well as completion from 13/14. Although capacity remains low (54% of target) there was an underutilisation of available PR places regionally (27%). Although completion rate improved it continued to vary 2.75-fold between providers during 14/15.