Fan V, Giardino N, Blough D, Kaplan R, Ramsey S, the NETT Research Group
This study highlights the costs associated with running rehabilitation programmes such as the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) and evaluates factors that contribute to participant adherence.
Over 4 years 1281 subjects with severe emphysema were studied. Pre study estimates of cost per person were made and later compared to actual costs. Factors such as anxiety, depression and distance from home to rehabilitation centre were analysed. The authors suggest that a greater understanding of socio-economic factors is required to enable adherence issues to be effectively approached, which will enable more cost-effective rehabilitation programmes.
COPD: Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 2008, 5(2), 105-116