Does virtual group treatment improve symptoms of breathlessness in the post COVID-19 patient population?

Introduction: British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidelines recommend assessment of breathing pattern disorder (BPD) for ongoing breathlessness post COVID-19 infection. 23.7% of patients attending post covid clinic were referred for breathing pattern retraining (BPR) (Heightman et al, 2021) and evidence suggests that BPR can improve breathlessness arising from BPD (British Thoracic Guidance, 2020). Due to large referral numbers and limited specialist work force, virtual group treatment (VGT) was trialled as an alternative to 1:1 intervention. Aim(s): To determine if a VGT improves breathlessness in patients with BPD following COVID-19 infection. Method(s): Data were collected from patients referred for BPR following completion of post Covid-19 multidisciplinary clinic assessment. Breathlessness (Dyspnoea 12- D12) and breathing pattern (Brompton Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool - BPAT) were assessed by a specialist Physiotherapist on referral and on completion of VGT. VGT consisted of 6, 1 hour, physiotherapist led sessions run fortnightly using a virtual platform. The programme included BPR at rest and on exertion, fatigue management and relaxation. Group size was 6-7 participants. A Wilcoxon Sign Rank test was used to compare pre and post treatment data. Result(s): Complete data sets (n=12) were analysed (11 female, 1 male, median age= 52) Improvement in BPAT was statistically significant (median pre 6, post 1, (z=-2.955, p=0.003)). Improvement in D12 was statistically significant (median pre 15, post 7, (z=-2.023, p=0.043)). Conclusion(s): Virtual group BPR treatment improves breathing pattern and breathlessness in the post covid population.

Does virtual group breathing pattern retraining improve symptoms of breathlessness in patients with breathing pattern disorder following COVID-19 infection?

P221 Table 1Virtual group BPR treatment improved breathing pattern and breathlessness for patients within the post covid BPD. With social distancing regulations, VGT offers an effective alternative to face to face group treatment. This saved clinician time which could enable reduced wait times for treatment.British Thoracic Society. British thoracic society guidance on respiratory follow up of patients with a clinico-radiological diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia, 2020.Heightman M, Prashar J, Hillman TE, et al. Post-COVID-19 assessment in a specialist clinical service: a 12-month, single-centre, prospective study in 1325 individuals. BMJ Open Resp Res, 2021;8.