D1. Pulmonary rehabilitation

The primary goal of pulmonary rehabilitation is to restore the patient to the highest possible level of independent functioning. Benefits are wide-ranging and there are minimal risks (see Section O).

Health education can play a role in improving skills, ability to cope with illness and health status.^93-95

It is aimed at improving compliance with pharmacological treatments and maintaining an exercise program after pulmonary rehabilitation, undertaking and sustaining smoking cessation, and using devices such as nebulisers, spacers and oxygen concentrators properly.

Education is most effective when it is interactive and conducted in small workshops.⁷ Pulmonary rehabilitation, including health education for patients, has also been shown to improve the coping ability and psychological functioning of carers.^93-96