A primary care medical home approach to pulmonary rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based, nonpharmacological intervention aimed to improve quality of life for patients living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Unfortunately, in Canada, most PR programs are hospital based and these are few in number; therefore, accessibility to PR programs is limited. METHODS: The Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network implemented an evidence-based PR program within the setting of the patient’s medical home. RESULTS: Post-program evaluation demonstrated improvement in 6-minute walk distance, lower body strength, COPD health status, and quality of life, as well as a reduction in emergency department visits 1 year after program completion. CONCLUSION: The results conclude that delivery of a PR program in a primary care setting is effective and can help address the issue of accessibility.