P80 Internet usage and intervention delivery preferences in the pulmonary rehabilitation population

IntroductionDue to COVID-19, conventional Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) has adapted to a home-based paper and telephone alternative. Web-based PR is available and has the potential to be an effective alternative to conventional PR.1 However, recent research suggests that patients are unable or unwilling to access it.2 The aim of the study was to explore internet usage and rehabilitation delivery preferences for those referred to PR.MethodsA survey was conducted between May and August 2020. Information collected included: demographics, qualifications, device ownership, internet hours per week, PR delivery preference and barriers to PR.Results89 responses were received from patients (Mean [SD] age 69 [10.5] years, 51 (57.3%) female). 68 (76.4%) reported having internet capable devices (Smartphone 50.6%, PC/Laptop 47.2%, Tablet 36.0%). 67 (75.3%) used the internet weekly. 50 (56.2%) responders used the internet regularly (>1 hour/week) and 26 (29.2%) very regularly (>10 hours/week). There was a weak correlation between age group and hours spent on the internet per week (ICC -0.29, p= 0.006). There was also a weak correlation between those who reported having qualifications and hours spent on the internet (ICC 0.34, p= 0.009).Overall, hospital face-to-face (55.1%) was preferred to other PR delivery interventions (home booklet and telephone 18.0%, community face-to-face 13.5%, web programme-based 5.6%, virtual classes 2.2%). No responders who used the internet infrequently (