Northern Health has launched Victoria’s first state-wide Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation (VPR) service, delivering evidence-based care into people’s homes through a single, integrated digital care pathway.
This fully virtual model represents a shift in how pulmonary rehabilitation is delivered, enabling more people with chronic lung disease to actively manage their health and achieve outcomes that matter most to them.
Pulmonary rehabilitation improves breathlessness, increases exercise capacity, builds confidence, reduces hospital visits and supports people to stay well at home.
Supported by Safer Care Victoria as a 12-month pilot, the service is designed to improve access across metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria, particularly for those unable to attend centre-based programs.
“The Victorian Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation program supports a more accessible, equitable model of care for people living with chronic respiratory disease across Victoria,” said Janelle Devereux. “Virtual pulmonary rehabilitation has strong evidence behind it, and this state-wide service is an important step in improving outcomes and reducing avoidable hospital care.”
The program is delivered via the My Health@Northern app, integrating personalised exercise, education and remote monitoring, supported by a multidisciplinary team.
Participants complete an eight-week tailored exercise program, followed by an optional four-week self-management phase.
They are provided with exercise tracking devices to support their participation.
“Being able to do my lung rehabilitation at home means I feel comfortable and less anxious, and not having to travel has been a huge benefit for me,” said participant Heather H.
“Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective treatments for COPD, yet many people have never been able to access it,” said Dr Katharine See. “This new virtual service changes that.”
The Victorian Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation service is now accepting referrals. Visit this page for more information.
For general enquiries or for more information, contact the VVPR team at vvpr@nh.org.au
Disclaimer: This article was provided by Northern Health. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
