Improving access to and uptake of early pulmonary rehabilitation following hospitalisation for acute exacerbations of COPD

Background: Substantial benefits are associated with early pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) following severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) requiring hospitalisation. However, referral for, and uptake of, early PR are poor. Methods and findings: In a prospective cohort study of 291 hospitalisations for AECOPD, COPD discharge bundles delivered by PR practitioners were associated with increased PR referral (60% vs 12%, p