Author(s): Oliveira, A. ; Quach, S. ; Walker, J. ; Brooks, D. ; Goldstein, R.
Date: 2022
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10773/40907
Origin: RIA - Repositório Institucional da Universidade de Aveiro
Subject(s): COPD - exacerbations; COPD - management; Treatments
The need for creating a rapid access rehabilitation (RAR) program for patients after hospitalization for an acute exacerbation of COPD has been reported by different stakeholders (Oliveira et al. Respir Med, 2021, 186: 106532). This study aimed to attain consensus from an expert panel of healthcare professionals (HCP) on the essential components and structure of a RAR program. A 2-round Delphi process was conducted between August and November 2021. A panel of international HCP with expertise in acute exacerbation of COPD were invited to complete an online survey to rate the importance of a series of program components, previously identified from individual interviews with patients with COPD, HCP and policymakers. A priori, consensus was defined as themes reaching at least 80% endorsement in a ranking group, disagree, neutral or agree, and would be included in the RAR program. Seventeen HCP participated in Round 1 and 14 in Round 2. Participants included pulmonologists, nurses, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, dietitians, psychologists and researchers. Consensus was achieved for 178/196 items (Table 1). This study identified essential components of a RAR program for patients after a hospitalization for COPD and provided the foundation to support the design of such interventions. Delphi Rounds with patients with COPD and policymakers are currently being conducted.
