Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of pulmonary diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, in Saudi Arabia is high, and pulmonary rehabilitation is not available in most Saudi hospitals. The causes that prevent hospitals in Saudi Arabia are still unclear and need more investigation. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine why pulmonary rehabilitation is not part of the usual COPD and respiratory disease management in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia with two questionnaires: the first for the healthcare providers and the second for pulmonary patients. RESULTS: About 349 healthcare providers completed the first questionnaire. The three highest barriers for establishing pulmonary rehabilitation in Saudi Arabia were shortage of healthcare providers (n = 183), followed by reduction of funds (n = 146) and lack of hospital room and capacity, respectively (n = 101 and n = 78). From the healthcare provider's point of view, the two highest barriers to preventing patients from attending pulmonary rehabilitation were transportation (n = 151), followed by lack of perceived benefits (n = 142). Almost half of healthcare providers (44%) intended to implement percentage a pulmonary rehabilitation program in Saudi Arabia. About 269 pulmonary patients filled out the second questionnaire. The three highest barriers from the patients' point of view to attend the pulmonary rehabilitation were being consistent with the program, lack of transportation, and wasting time in the program. CONCLUSION: The main barriers that prevent the implementation of a pulmonary rehabilitation program were lack of healthcare professionals and funds and low hospital capacity. The most barriers that prevent pulmonary patients from attending pulmonary rehabilitation programs were transportation challenges and lack of perceived benefits. About half of the healthcare providers intended to implement a pulmonary rehabilitation program in Saudi Arabia.