Authors' objectives:

To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of hospital outpatient-based pulmonary rehabilitation programmes

Authors' recommendations: There is evidence from well conducted systematic reviews of trials that hospital outpatient-based pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are effective in improving quality of life for patients for up to 18 months. Benefits probably also accrue to their carers. However, the patients looked at in the trials were very heterogeneous. There is too little evidence about home-based pulmonary rehabilitation and there is no evidence of any longer term benefit, beyond 18 months. In addition, the Committee noted that the costs were difficult to determine and should therefore be seen as approximate. Pulmonary rehabilitation programmes are increasing in popularity and consequently, there is likely to be increasing demand for such a service in the future. The package of care should include exercise and psychological support, together with smoking reduction strategies. Research is needed soon to assess the relative benefits and cost-effectiveness of different programme components.

Authors' methods: Review

Project Status: Completed

URL for project: http://www.wihrd.soton.ac.uk

Year Published: 1999

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England

Organisation Name: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development

Contact Address: Pauline King. Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development, Boldrewood Medical School, Bassett Crescent East, Highfield, Southampton. SO16 7PX Tel. +44 1703 595661 Fax +44 1703 595662

Copyright: Wessex Institute for Health Research and Development (WIHRD)