Developing a teaching programme to build capacity for pulmonary rehabilitation services in Delhi, India: Experience of RECHARGE-IPCRG Teach the Teacher

Clinical Research Results Abstract Research Idea Abstract Service Development & Evaluation Abstract Aim: To build capacity for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) services in Delhi, India, through a tiered approach to education and training provision, delivered through the RECHARGE-IPCRG Teach the Teacher (TtT) programme.Brief outline of context: PR is not widely available in India. Barriers occur in PR attendance completion are transportation problems, lack of support, burden on caregiver, cost of program. Improving access to PR through alternative models of service delivery, including centre-based, home-based and virtual/tele-rehabilitation, the need for which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.Brief description of the intervention: RECHARGE-IPCRG TtT was conducted via 4x4-hour online workshops in September-October 2021 to train the team that will be leading PR service expansion in Delhi. By training local clinical practitioners, the programme sought to develop the educational capability of future teachers of PR.Strategy for change: Our team have experience in delivering multiple modes of PR and are well positioned to lead the expansion of PR services in Delhi. The team attended the RECHARGE-IPCRG TtT, resulting in the development of a tiered teaching programme(figure).Impact of changes: By implementing the RECHARGE-IPCRG tiered approach to education and training provision, we anticipate increasing the capacity for referring to and delivering PR across Delhi and into other states.Lessons learnt: We learnt new pedagogical techniques for face-to-face and virtual workshops, and identified barriers to PR delivery/referral and strategies for increasing awareness through conferences, workshops, and printed media.Messages for others: RECHARGE-IPCRG TtT offers a scalable model to expand PR services, including a suite of delivery modes, through a tiered system of education and training. Declaration of Interest Declaration of interest: The Global RECHARGE research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) (17/63/20) using UK aid from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. References and Clinical Trial Registry Information