Characteristics of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in New Zealand: a survey of practice prior to and during COVID-19.

Abstract

Aim: The primary aim of this survey was to develop an understanding of current pulmonary rehabilitation practices in New Zealand. The onset of a COVID-19 lockdown in New Zealand in March 2020, shortly after completion of the initial survey, enabled a follow-up survey to determine how services had adapted in response to the global pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational design using two sequential purpose designed online surveys administered before (Survey 1) and after COVID-19 lockdowns (Survey 2) in New Zealand.

Results: Survey 1 was completed by 36 PR services across New Zealand and showed homogeneity in the content and structure of services provided. PR was primarily funded by district health boards, run by a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals and included participants with a range of chronic respiratory conditions. All programmes completed pre- and post-PR assessments, were a minimum of eight weeks in duration and included exercise and education. Survey 2 showed that, during level 4 and level 3 COVID-19 restrictions, 11 (40.7%) of services paused PR programmes, with 16 (59%) adapting the service to provide home-based rehabilitation via telephone or teleconference facilities.

Conclusion: PR programmes in New Zealand report following Australian and New Zealand PR best practice guidelines and are homogenous in content and structure, but COVID-19 restrictions highlighted the need for services to provide more diverse options for service delivery. Future service development should focus on providing a range of delivery options allowing increased access to PR, tailoring therapy to meet individual needs and ensuring services are engaging for all participants to optimise participation.