Benefits of an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program: a prospective analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program on functional outcome, supplemental oxygen use, quality of life (QOL), and rehospitalization.


METHODS
A prospective study.


METHODS
Inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation unit.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-seven patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) admitted to an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program over a 3-year period.


METHODS
Comprehensive interdisciplinary inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program with an average length of stay of 21 days.


METHODS
Improvements in QOL questionnaire scores, COPD knowledge questionnaire scores, 6-minute walking test (with 3 ambulation categories: bed-bound, household ambulators, community ambulators), and supplemental oxygen use. Rehospitalization 1 year after completion of the program was also assessed and compared with hospital days for the year before the program.


RESULTS
On discharge from the program, 88% of individuals walked farther (p <.0001), and community ambulators doubled their walking distance, whereas bed-bound patients decreased 10-fold; supplemental oxygen use dropped 33% during the day (p <.0001) and 57% during the night (p <.0001); 82% showed improved QOL (p <.0001); 67% showed improved knowledge of COPD (p <.0001); and 67% of the sample spent less time in the hospital during the 12 months after program completion compared with the 12 months before admission (p <.001).


CONCLUSIONS
An inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program leads to improved endurance and functional ambulation, decreased supplemental oxygen use, and fewer hospitalizations 1 year after discharge for patients with COPD.
Stewart
D G
DG
Brooks Health System, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Drake
D F
DF
Robertson
C
C
Marwitz
J H
JH
Kreutzer
J S
JS
Cifu
D X
DX
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010102:Oxygen Inhalation Therapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010359:Patient Readmission; D010807:Physical Endurance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome