[Implementation of respiratory rehabilitation in the municipalities of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Quilpué and Villa Alemana in 2013].

Introduction: Pulmonary rehabilitation is a keystone in the treatment of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Significantly reduces the costs to the health system, the use of health resources by reducing hospital stay and consultations to emergency services.

Objective: Describe the current condition of respiratory rehabilitation in primary care centers located in the region of Valparaíso.

Method: A closed survey in the respiratory centers of primary health care was applied. The sample consisted of 32 health centers corresponding to the communes of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, Quilpué and Villa Alemana.

Results: 9 centers (28%) of the total sample performed pulmonary rehabilitation and the same number have a structured rehabilitation program. In 15 (47%) of the centers there is a Nutritionist in the health team. In 100% of hospitals patients assessed by spirometry and dyspnea scales. Most centers (89%) training upper and lower extremities. Among the factors that limit the performance of respiratory rehabilitation, 20 (63%) report that the schedule are one of the most limiting factors, while 23 (72%) report that centers do not have adequate space and 22 (69%) centers relate not have the minimum equipment necessary.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that most respiratory rehabilitation center did not performed as part of the treatment of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mainly due to problems of human, material and infrastructure.