Pulmonary rehabilitation following hospitalisation for acute exacerbation of COPD: referrals, uptake and adherence.

Rationale: Several randomised controlled trials support the provision of early pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following hospitalisation for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). However, there is little real-world data regarding uptake, adherence and completion rates.

Methods: An audit was conducted to prospectively document referral, uptake, adherence and completion rates for early post-hospitalisation outpatient PR in Northwest London over a 12-month period.

A pilot study using a newly devised manual in a programme of education and support for patients waiting for coronary artery bypass surgery.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation programmes are widely accepted as being of benefit to patients with cardiac disease. The time spent waiting for cardiac surgery can be extremely stressful but can be used to address risk factors and provide information to reduce anxiety and prepare the patient for surgery.

Aims: To pilot the usefulness of a manual for pre-operative cardiac surgical patients, and assess the feasibility and usefulness to both nurses and patients of a monthly education and support programme for patients waiting for cardiac surgery.