e-PUREDigital Pulmonary Rehabilitation for COPD Patients

This study is exploring a new digital rehabilitation program designed for people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Southwest Finland. COPD is a common condition that mostly affects older adults and can significantly reduce life quality and life expectancy. Pulmonary rehabilitation is known to improve symptoms and quality of life for these patients, but traditional programs are often hard to access. The COVID-19 pandemic made it even harder, leading to increased interest in virtual programs. This study aims to see if a digital approach is feasible and effective, potentially offering a more accessible option for COPD patients. Participants in the study will follow a 12-week personalized rehabilitation plan that includes exercises, nutritional guidance, and support to stop smoking. The plan is monitored through online questionnaires and physical tests like the 6-minute walk test. The main goal is to see if participants can walk further after the program compared to before. Other measures include patient satisfaction and changes in respiratory health as assessed by the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire. The study will also see how the program affects healthcare usage, such as hospital visits, and will help determine if a larger study should be conducted in the future.