IMPROVE - Improving completion of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD with PR-buddies

Day Conference Friday October 17th 2025, Birmingham

What is the IMPROVE trial?

Despite the proven benefits, the impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is often limited by low referral, uptake and completion rates. Researchers at King’s College London and the University of Leeds have been working on a multicentre, cluster randomised controlled trial: IMPROVE. The aim of IMPROVE was to see whether Lay Health Workers (called PR-buddies) are effective and acceptable in improving the rates of uptake and completion of PR in people with COPD.

The IMPROVE trial involved 31 PR services throughout England. 14 PR-services randomised to the intervention arm of the trial set up PR-buddy services. Staff in these PR services were trained and in turn recruited and trained for the PR-buddy role a group of volunteer PR-experienced patients with COPD from their own services.

Event Details: 

In-person event: 17th October 2025 10.30am – 3.30pm

Venue: The Priory Rooms, Birmingham, 40 Bull Street, B4 6AF

Speakers to include: Professor Patrick White, Gill Gilworth, PR-staff who took part inthe trial and PR-buddies

Cost: £60 per person which includes lunch and refreshments

Who should attend: those involved in managing and delivering PR services

Any questions or to book your place: e-mail Gill Gilworth

(g.l.gilworth@leeds.ac.uk). Please provide your name and a telephone number andinformation about any access requirement or dietary needs including allergies,gluten free and vegan (vegetarian options will be provided).

Publication Date: 20 August 2025

Author: Anna Alderslade