Importance Meta-analyses have suggested that initiating pulmonary rehabilitation after an
exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was associated with
improved survival, although the number of patients studied was small and heterogeneity
was high. Current guidelines recommend that patients enroll in pulmonary rehabilitation
after hospital discharge. Objective To determine the association between the initiation of
pulmonary rehabilitation within 90 days of hospital discharge and 1-year survival. Design …