An interactive web-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme: A randomised controlled feasibility trial

Introduction: There are barriers for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) partaking in Pulmonary Rehabilitation(PR) and a need for the provision of PR in other forms, increasing patient choice and service capacity. Aim: Determine if an interactive web-based PR programme is a feasible alternative to conventional PR. Methods: Patients were randomised to a web programme or a conventional PR programme for 7weeks. Patients had to be willing to partake in either arm, have internet access and be web literate. Standard outcomes for a PR assessment including measures of exercise capacity(shuttle walk tests:SWTs) and quality of life questionnaires(chronic respiratory disease Q–dyspnoea domain:CRQ-D) were evaluated. Patient preference was also recorded. Results: 103 patients were recruited [baseline characteristics table 1]. The largest proportion of patients randomised wanted the web programme(n=38%). A statistically significant improvement(p≤ 0.01) was observed within each group in the ESWT(WEB:mean change 189±211.1;PR classes:mean change 184.5±247.4secs) and CRQ-D(WEB:mean change 0.7±1.2;PR classes:mean change 0.8±1.0). There were no significant differences between the groups in any outcome. Discussion: A web-based PR programme is feasible and acceptable when compared to conventional PR. Future trials maybe around choice based PR enabling stratification of patient care.