Lung Foundation Australia are calling on health professionals to rethink the public framing of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR), giving the community a better understanding of who it can benefit.
The nation’s peak lung health body has just released Australia’s first National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Strategy Framework, designed to revolutionise current PR practices to ensure the program is accessible, affordable and impactful.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke said while PR is recognised as the most effective (non-drug) management tool for people living with a chronic lung condition, barely anyone who could benefit from its effects is currently given the tools to do so.
“We know only a dismal five to ten per cent of people who could benefit from PR intervention are doing so in Australia at the moment, but this new national strategy framework aims to change that,” Mr Brooke said.
“Lung Foundation Australia is urging health professionals to take the framework on board, increasing access and health equity by giving thousands living with a chronic lung condition positive outcomes including increased overall quality of life, better exercise capacity and reduced symptoms of breathlessness and fatigue.
“Additionally, PR reduces hospital admissions, length of stay and re-admissions post exacerbation, which is important for those directly affected, and has considerable positive cost benefits for the economy and health system overall.”
Mr Brooke said PR is a six – eight week, evidence-based, exercise and education program that teaches people with a chronic lung condition the skills they need to manage their breathlessness, stay well and out of hospital.
The program consists of an individual assessment which includes medical history and testing of exercise capacity in a safe environment, followed by a program of exercise training and education.
University of Sydney Professor of Respiratory Physiotherapy Jennifer Alison said the National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Strategy Framework was informed by consumers, clinicians, and researchers who are aware of the extensive benefits of PR and wish to increase access to those who need it.
“This Strategy will go a long way to achieving improved access to PR for all people with chronic respiratory disease, whether they live in cities or the regions, including increased availability of culturally safe PR for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Prof Alison said.
Lung Foundation Australia’s National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Strategy Framework is available here: National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Strategy Framework 2023 – 2026 – Lung Foundation Australia
For media enquiries please contact:
Lung Foundation Australia Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Hilton
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