The American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Registry: Design and Participant Characteristics.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the design of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) national pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) registry and the demographic and clinical characteristics of enrolled participants.

Methods: We defined enrollment as attending at least 1 rehabilitation session. Participant characteristics are expressed as median (IQR) or number (%). We used participant zip codes to determine county of residence and created a heat map of participants per county in the continental US. In those aged 65 years and older, we compared participant characteristics with published data on Medicare beneficiaries.

Results: From 2013 to 2021, 70 085 individuals from 319 programs have enrolled. Median age is 70 years (63, 76), 52% are female, 78% are White, and 99% have health insurance. Comorbidities and a history of smoking are common. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is the primary admission diagnosis for 71% of enrollees. At least 1 participant resides in 42% of continental US counties, with more representation in counties from the upper Midwest and East Coast of the US. Demographic characteristics of those aged 65 years and older are similar to samples of Medicare beneficiaries.

Conclusions: The AACVPR PR registry provides a wealth of data to examine patient outcomes and quality of care in PR. Not surprisingly, non-White individuals, those with lower education levels, and those who are uninsured are underrepresented in the AACVPR PR registry, reflecting national trends.