Rehabilitation Centre
Block 3, Level 1
Tel : 321 4132
Fax : 326 5495
What is Pulmonary Rehabilitation ?
Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a multidimensional continuum
of services directed to persons with pulmonary disease
and their families, usually by an interdisciplinary
team of specialists, with the goal of achieving and
maintaining the individual’s maximum level of
independence and functioning in the community.
Why Pulmonary Rehabilitation?
Many patients with chronic respiratory disorders e.g.
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are physically
deconditioned as a result of abstinence from physical
activity. These patients are caught in a downward
spiral resulting eventually in total incapacitation
and dyspnea at rest. Hence, even though the underlying
respiratory disorder has received optimal drug therapy,
many such patients remain dyspneic, with poor effort
tolerance and quality of life. Pulmonary Rehabilitation
has been shown to improve the symptom of dyspnea and
quality of life in patients with COPD. Exercise training
is also recommended in the management of these patients.
SGH Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program (PRP)
The SGH PRP is a 6 week program with a 4 day initial
inpatient evaluation followed by thrice weekly outpatient
sessions. The program includes supervised exercise
training, breathing exercises, education sessions
and discussion groups. Objective testing including
pulmonary function tests, cardiopulmonary exercise
tests, 6 minute walk tests will be performed at the
beginning and at the end of the program to evaluate
response. Entry into the program requires evaluation
by an SGH Respiratory Physician.
Who will benefit?
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
including chronic bronchitis, emphysema can be considered
for PRP if they
Patients with other forms of chronic lung diseases
e.g. bronchiectasis and restrictive lung diseases
may be considered for PRP on a case-by-case basis.
After completion of the 6 week PRP, patients will
be followed up for a maximum of 3 months after which
all patients will be referred back to the referral
source.
|