The British Thoracic Society (BTS) has published a Clinical Statement that provides a snapshot of current knowledge and best practice in pulmonary rehabilitation.
The statement builds on the BTS Guideline for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Adults that was published in 2013, providing supplementary information on recent developments in research and technology since this time.
Commenting on the Clinical Statement, co-chair of the BTS Clinical Statement on Pulmonary Rehabilitation Group, Will Man, said,
“Since the BTS guidelines a decade ago, there have been exciting developments in pulmonary rehabilitation. We wanted to reflect this and describe what constitutes current best practice, informed by the available evidence and expert opinion. We hope this proves to be a useful and practical resource for pulmonary rehabilitation clinicians in the UK.”
The Clinical Statement will be of particular interest to pulmonary rehabilitation clinicians working within health settings, including those interested in clinical research. It summarises the activity of treating pulmonary rehabilitation in the UK and aims to support greater understanding of how to practically deliver the highest quality PR care according to the most recent evidence. Specifically highlighted are the following topics:
- Service access, referrals, and uptake
- High quality assessments and delivery of outcomes
- Extending the scope of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Alternative Models of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Adjuncts to and Maintenance of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
A notable area of interest that augments the BTS Guideline for Pulmonary Rehabilitation in adults is the growth in alternative models of delivering PR, especially focusing on home-based or remote care, and the use of new technology.
Enya Daynes, member of the British Thoracic Society Pulmonary Rehabilitation Specialist Advisory Group elaborated on the purpose of the Statement: "This Clinical Statement will provide useful information on those who should be referred to Pulmonary Rehabilitation, including across respiratory diseases and prior to thoracic surgery. This has the potential to increase referrals, and improve access to gold standard, life improving treatment. Advances in adjuncts and alternative models for Pulmonary Rehabilitation may also enhance access and the benefits of this valuable treatment and reduce health inequalities for those living with respiratory diseases."
Research gaps identified in the Clinical Statement suggest areas of meaningful focus for future projects to further develop systems of care.
Jonathan Fuld, Interim National Clinical Director, Respiratory Medicine, NHS England further said: “Defining the key elements of quality that underpin a successful Pulmonary Rehabilitation service is essential. By providing this Clinical Statement, the British Thoracic Society enables services to deliver this transformative treatment for patients in a way that is most likely to benefit patients.”
