Lack of perceived benefit and inadequate transport influence uptake and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study

Many people with COPD who elect not to take up a referral to pulmonary rehabilitation perceive that they would not experience any health benefits from attendance. Difficulties with travel to the program and being unwell are barriers to both uptake and completion. Improving attendance at pulmonary rehabilitation requires consideration of how information regarding the proven benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation can be conveyed to eligible patients, along with flexible program models that facilitate access and accommodate co-morbid disease.