Pulmonary telerehabilitation in patients with chronic respiratory diseases during the pandemic by COVID-19 in Argentina. A multicenter observational study

ABSTRACT

Introduction: To our knowledge, there are no published studies on the implementation and results of Pulmonary telerehabilitation (PTR) in Argentina. Our objective was to describe PTR strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of the different PTR modalities and the patient satisfaction. Method(s) A prospective study was carried out between April and August 2020. Patients who switched to different PTR modalities participated synchronous (SPTR) or asynchronous (APTR). The level of satisfaction, quality of life with the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks were evaluated. Result(s) 20 centers participated. 299 patients were included (55.9% female), with a median (P25-75) age of 68 (62- 72) years, 184/249 (73.9%) diagnosed with COPD, 37 (14.9%) interstitial lung diseases, 12 (4.8%) asthma and 16 (6.4%) other CRD. 110 (36.8%) patients underwent SPTR and 189 (63.2%) with APTR. No differences were observed in the SGRQ and HADS except in the activities subscale of the SGRQ that increased significantly (p<0.05) in both groups, the impact subscale and the total that increased significantly in the SPTR group at 12 weeks (p<0.01). Both groups reported being satisfied with the PTR, 5.9 (5.4-6.3) in SPTR and 5 (4.6-5.4) in APTR, being significantly higher in SPTR (p=0.004) Conclusion(s) We observed significant satisfaction with PRT during the pandemic. No improvements were seen in quality of life, anxiety, or depression.