Conclusions
It is clear from the evidence that an acute exacerbation of COPD presents a complex scenario to the healthcare provider and, of course, to the individual (figure 4). The episode provokes a huge disruption to the individuals' physical and psychological well-being. The medical management of patients with exacerbation of COPD is challenged by underlying comorbidities and it is likely that the full impact of the acute exacerbation on other long-term conditions is not fully appreciated.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
A white elephant or the elephant in the room? Pulmonary rehabilitation following severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease represents a complex scenario for healthcare worker and patient.
There is a clear role for supportive management following severe exacerbation; however, the precise format of the intervention is less clear. Intuitively, a package of supported self-management would seem the right approach, instigated immediately upon discharge, but the evidence is lacking. A more structured and supervised pulmonary rehabilitation programme does have a very strong evidence base, and is consistently recommended by all national and international societies but – and it is a very large but – once implemented as a clinical service, it does not seem to be acceptable to a significant proportion of patients, and perhaps referrers. This presents an interesting challenge for researchers and implementation scientists. Future work requires a collaborative approach with potential service users to develop an appealing and effective intervention that can be delivered around the time of an acute exacerbation that will deliver the desired clinical impact.