Clinical lead: Dr Nicholas Hopkinson
Senior physiotherapist: Victoria Lord (Bleep 1050)
The programme
Pulmonary rehabilitation is an exercise and educational programme designed to help patients with limiting symptoms due to respiratory conditions such as COPD. The aim of pulmonary rehabilitation is to improve patients’ exercise tolerance and functional independence and there is a strong (Grade A) evidence base to support this.
The pulmonary rehabilitation team includes a physiotherapist, an occupational therapist, a clinical nurse specialist, a dietitian and a clinical psychologist and is further supported by the respiratory consultant.
We run an eight-week programme which patients attend twice weekly (Monday and Thursday afternoons) when they are given individualised exercise programmes suitable for their level of fitness. Alongside the exercises there are educational sessions encompassing all aspects of respiratory care. During the course of the programme the level of exercise is increased as patients become fitter, so by the end of the programme they are less breathless and better able to cope with daily activities.
We encourage people to continue with an exercise programme at home after they have completed the course in order to maintain the benefit it produces.
Who should be referred?
Patients with limiting breathlessness (MRC dyspnea score of 3/5 or higher: an MRC score of three corresponds to “walking slower then contemporaries or having to stop because of breathlessness when walking at own pace”.)
How can patients be referred?
To refer a patient for the programme please complete the referral form and send to Marie-Claude Zaire (PA to Dr N Hopkinson), Mezzanine floor, South Block, Royal Brompton Hospital, Fulham Road, SW3 6NP.
For more information for patients please click on the information booklet below.
