gms | German Medical Science

Background: Whilst suggestions for educational content within pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) have been detailed in clinical guidance, it is unclear what happens in practice.

Aim: This survey investigated the content and delivery of PR programmes across Scotland.

Method: Regional leads from the Scottish Pulmonary Rehabilitation Action group completed a questionnaire about how education in PR is delivered.

Results/findings: 9/11 NHS regions completed the questionnaire (81.8%). Education was predominately group-based and face-to-face (100%, 9/9), most providing between 6-12 education sessions. One third stated that they undertook literacy assessment and 66.6% that they developed/implemented a COPD plan with 44.4% tailoring this to literacy levels.

Most educational sessions lasted 15 minutes or less. Several topics were not consistently covered. Most used PowerPoint to facilitate sessions with wide use of printed materials. Interactive lecturing and group discussions were the most common mode of delivery.

All reported that specialist physiotherapists usually led sessions on breathing strategies, chest clearance and benefits of exercise (88.8%, 8/9), anxiety control (5/8), and breathing and strengthening exercises (8/8). Other sessions (use of inhalers, smoking cessation) were led by the specialist nurse, specialist physiotherapist or other staff. No leads were identified for end of life, advance directives, benefits, and travel and leisure activities. A range of outcome measures were used, but no specific educational outcome measures assessed the effectiveness of education.

Discussion and conclusions: Education is not reported to be personalised to individual needs and literacy assessments are often not undertaken. Overall the content of education was varied and no outcomes around education are measured.