Authors: Dr. Ayesha Bhat, Dr. Naveen H Simon, Dr. Prarthana Phukan, Ms. Revathi G Maroju, Dr. Anisha Nallasamy, Dr. Beauty Chakraborty, Dr. Haripriya Kumaran, Ms. Pavithra Palaniappan
Abstract: Background: A multidisciplinary, evidence-based strategy known as pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has been shown to enhance the functional ability and quality of life of people with long-term respiratory conditions. Despite its advantages, PR is still not widely available or used, especially in rural areas. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate how patients with long-term respiratory disorders and medical professionals in rural Karnataka, India, perceive the obstacles to pulmonary rehabilitation. Methods: Semi-structured interviews with 24 individuals (12 patients with chronic respiratory problems and 12 healthcare professionals) were used in this qualitative study design. Purposive sampling was used to choose participants from three rural districts. With the aid of NVivo software, data were examined using the theme analysis approach developed by Braun and Clarke. Results: Five main themes surfaced: (1) a lack of knowledge and misunderstandings regarding pulmonary rehabilitation; (2) transportation and geographic difficulties; (3) a lack of trained staff and healthcare infrastructure; (4) sociocultural and gender-specific limitations; and (5) financial constraints. Patients regularly complained about the challenges of long-distance travel to tertiary medical facilities and their ignorance of PR. In rural primary healthcare centers, providers reported a lack of PR programs and a scarcity of physiotherapists. Conclusion: The results highlight the various obstacles that rural communities encounter while trying to obtain PR. A multifaceted strategy is needed to address these issues, including decentralization of PR services, policy-level reforms, health education initiatives, and capacity building for rural healthcare professionals. These tactics have the potential to enhance outcomes for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions and close the gap between rural and urban access to pulmonary treatment.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17532517
