3R aims to increase the access of patients with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in the central region of Portugal and disseminate this intervention at a national level. PR is an evidence-based intervention for managing CRD, and several international organisations have acknowledged its implementation as a priority. However, in Portugal, it is practically non-existent (<1% of patients have access to it), with most PR programs occurring in hospitals and targeting patients in more advanced stages of the disease. We hypothesise that programs in the community, directed at all degrees of CRD and involving health professionals, patients/families, societies, and policymakers, may make PR more accessible. 3R aims to:
1) implement an innovative PR program in the community;
2) evaluate its cost-effectiveness;
3) disseminate and transfer knowledge about the PR throughout the country.

Principal Investigator@ ciTechCare: Joana Cruz

Research Team:

• ciTechCare: Nádia Hipólito
• University of Aveiro: Alda Marques

Duration: 36 months (2018 – 2021)

Institutional Partners and Others:

• University of Aveiro

Reference: SAICT-POL/23926/2016

Funding: FCT