In alignment with the NHS Long Term Plan's recognition of pulmonary rehabilitation as pivotal for managing chronic respiratory conditions, efforts are underway to enhance these services. However, only a small percentage of eligible patients are currently benefiting from such programmes due to workforce capacity constraints. 

A recent guidance document aims to tackle this issue by providing insights into workforce expansion considerations. Key points from the guidance include: 

• Safe staffing levels: determining appropriate staffing levels is crucial to expanding pulmonary rehabilitation services without compromising quality or increasing waiting times 

• Core Competencies: ensuring that multidisciplinary teams possess the necessary competencies to deliver safe and effective programs is essential. Continuous training and development opportunities are emphasized to maintain these competencies 

• Diverse skill mix: recognising the importance of a diverse skill mix within teams, the guidance outlines the roles of both suitably qualified healthcare professionals and non-registered staff in delivering comprehensive care 

• Patient-centred care: core competencies outlined in the document focus on personalised care, emphasising patient safety across assessment, exercise classes, education, and discharge planning 

• Pathway development: integrating pulmonary rehabilitation services with broader respiratory care initiatives is highlighted as a crucial aspect of service development 

• Future workforce development: providing placements for students and offering career progression opportunities for staff are identified as essential strategies for developing the future workforce in pulmonary rehabilitation services 

In summary, the guidance offers a comprehensive framework for addressing workforce challenges and expanding pulmonary rehabilitation services to benefit a larger population of patients with chronic respiratory conditions. 

Read the full guidance from NHS England here: NHS England » Guidance for growing and developing the pulmonary rehabilitation multidisciplinary team