Background: Acceptance and completion rates of pulmonary rehabilitation(PR) after an acute exacerbation of COPD(AECOPD) are remarkably low.

Aims: 1)To assess the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a theory and evidence-based intervention: an online animated video about PR to patients during or post AECOPD, 2)To evaluate post- vs pre-video changes in patient knowledge and understanding of PR, readiness and motivation to participate in a PR program.

Methods: We conducted a single group pre-post intervention study. The online animated video was shown to participants on a tablet, either at the in-patient respiratory ward or at the clinic. Patients were encouraged to watch the video several times and discuss their participation in PR with their family members. Feasibility measures included recruitment, adherence, and completion rates. Knowledge was evaluated using Understanding COPD (UCOPD) and Bristol COPD Knowledge (BCKQ) questionnaires. Readiness to commence PR was measured by a Readiness to Change Exercise Questionnaire, and a likert-type scale assessed motivation.

Results: A total of 52 patients were evaluated, 18 accepted to participate of which 12 completed the intervention. The recruitment, adherence and completion rates were 75%, 67% and 100% respectively. The mean change of the UCOPD was 5.98 and BCKQ was -0.25. Nearly 67% of our patients presented readiness to commence PR and reported a mean increase of 7.5 on the likert-scale for motivation levels. Among the included patients, 92% would recommend the video to other AECOPD patients.

Conclusion: The delivery of the animated video to patients with an AECOPD was feasible, acceptable to patients and improved knowledge and readiness to commence PR.