• D G Stewart, D F Drake, C Robertson, J H Marwitz, J S Kreutzer, and D X Cifu.
• Brooks Health System, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
• Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2001 Mar 1; 82 (3): 347-52.

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program on functional outcome, supplemental oxygen use, quality of life (QOL), and rehospitalization.DesignA prospective study.SettingInpatient pulmonary rehabilitation unit.PatientsOne hundred fifty-seven patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) admitted to an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program over a 3-year period.InterventionComprehensive interdisciplinary inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program with an average length of stay of 21 days.Main Outcome MeasuresImprovements in QOL questionnaire scores, COPD knowledge questionnaire scores, 6-minute walking test (with 3 ambulation categories: bed-bound, household ambulators, community ambulators), and supplemental oxygen use. Rehospitalization 1 year after completion of the program was also assessed and compared with hospital days for the year before the program.ResultsOn discharge from the program, 88% of individuals walked farther (p <.0001), and community ambulators doubled their walking distance, whereas bed-bound patients decreased 10-fold; supplemental oxygen use dropped 33% during the day (p <.0001) and 57% during the night (p <.0001); 82% showed improved QOL (p <.0001); 67% showed improved knowledge of COPD (p <.0001); and 67% of the sample spent less time in the hospital during the 12 months after program completion compared with the 12 months before admission (p <.001).ConclusionsAn inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program leads to improved endurance and functional ambulation, decreased supplemental oxygen use, and fewer hospitalizations 1 year after discharge for patients with COPD.

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