Pulmonary Rehabilitation - Live Better and Live Longer: a message from 19 Respiratory Organizations

Miami, FL April 7, 2021 - Over 16 million people in the United States have COPD¹ and up to 60% of COPD cases go undiagnosed.² According to the World Health Organization, COPD is the third leading cause of death globally.³ COPD continues to be a leading cause of disabling symptoms and suffering. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is the standard of care for persons with COPD and is associated with improved physical function, symptoms, mood and quality of life. Although PR is well established as a highly effective treatment for COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases,^4,5 in the United States only 3%–4% of Medicare beneficiaries with COPD receive PR.⁶ Similarly, low estimates exist for the rest of the world.⁷

A recent study by Peter Lindenauer and colleagues found that, in persons hospitalized due to acute exacerbation of COPD, PR within 3 months of discharge versus later or no PR, was associated with a highly significant lower risk of mortality at 1 year (hazard ratio, 0.63; i.e., a 37% lower risk of death over the year following discharge).⁸ The study utilized claims data of 197,376 Medicare beneficiaries discharged after hospitalization for COPD.⁸ The findings support PR as a high priority following hospitalization for COPD.

Patients suffering from COPD should know that PR not only has potential for helping them feel better and be more independent, but also live longer. We are asking for your support in communicating these important findings of improved survival after PR to providers and patients. Thank you in advance for your help and collaboration.