Pulmonary Telerehabilitation: Improving Health Services for Chronic Respiratory Patients
The application of digitalization in the healthcare sector has opened up avenues to cater to a larger number of patients. One such innovative option is pulmonary telerehabilitation, which proves to be immensely beneficial for individuals suffering from chronic respiratory diseases that hinder their ability to visit hospitals for treatment.
The National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) Ismael CosÃo Villegas has emerged as a pioneer in offering this modality. Susana Galicia Amor, the head of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department at INER, highlighted that a majority of the patients who seek care face difficulties in breathing, experience fatigue, and have low tolerance for physical activity.
These symptoms, coupled with heart and muscle conditions, as well as chronic-degenerative comorbidities, often limit their daily activities and affect their emotional well-being. To address these challenges, the INER has implemented the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, which involves the participation of pulmonary rehabilitation doctors. These specialists assess the patients and develop personalized plans based on their health condition, severity, and specific needs.
The primary objective of the program is to alleviate the perception of breathlessness, both during movement and at rest, enabling patients to engage in physical activity and carry out their daily tasks. As the physical and psychological health of the patients improves, their overall quality of life also sees a positive impact.
The head of the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation emphasized that this program offers benefits to all individuals with chronic respiratory disabilities. Esperanza Lourdes Trejo Mellado, an INER specialist, concurred that the program plays a central role in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, as it reduces respiratory symptoms, improves mobility, and enhances independence in daily activities and reintegration into the workplace and social environment.
Globally, approximately 210 million people suffer from chronic lung diseases, which contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality rates. For instance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) ranks as the seventh leading cause of disability. In Mexico, COPD affects 7.8 percent of individuals above the age of 40. This prevalence increases with age, affecting 18.4 percent of individuals over 60 years old.
The assigned doctor in the Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation further explained that patients with chronic respiratory diseases also experience cardiovascular conditions, limited movement in their extremities, decreased exercise tolerance, muscular weakness, and impaired hand functions. In some cases, individuals may also face voice-related issues.
With the introduction of telerehabilitation, healthcare professionals can assist patients remotely, ensuring they receive the necessary support and guidance to manage their conditions effectively. This innovative approach not only improves the healthcare experience for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases but also enhances their overall well-being and functional capabilities.
In conclusion, the implementation of pulmonary telerehabilitation at the National Institute of Respiratory Diseases offers new avenues for treating chronic respiratory diseases. By reducing symptoms and improving the ability to carry out daily activities, this program plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for patients. With the prevalence of chronic lung diseases on the rise, telerehabilitation emerges as a valuable tool in addressing the healthcare needs of a larger population.
