We’re excited to celebrate a major milestone for the Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation (VPR) pilot, with the first Victorian successfully completing the program.
This achievement marks an important early success and highlights the real impact virtual pulmonary rehabilitation can have for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Outcomes that matter
For the first participant, the outcome has been significant. Their level of activation increased from Level 2 to Level 4, the highest level of activation, demonstrating a major shift in the patient’s confidence, knowledge and ability to actively manage their health at home. This reflects what we aim to achieve through the pilot, supporting Victorians to feel confident, capable and in control of their health at home.
The consumers own words tell the story best:
“I can’t thank you all enough. I never thought I would be well, and now I am.”
They also shared how they plan to continue their progress:
“I already have plans in place to keep doing the walking and the strength exercises every second day. I’m considering linking in with online yoga on the days in between... You think you’re too sick to exercise, but actually the more you exercise, the better you get.”
These reflections highlight outcomes that matter most to consumers — confidence, independence, and the ability to stay well at home.
Improving access and equity through virtual care
The VPR pilot is a partnership between Safer Care Victoria and Northern Health, delivering an evidence‑based pulmonary rehabilitation program in a fully virtual format.
The program is designed to:
- expand access for people who cannot attend centre‑based programs
- improve equity for rural, regional and underserved communities
- maintain safety and quality through multidisciplinary clinical oversight
- offer flexibility and continuous enrolment rather than fixed intakes
By removing barriers such as travel, transport and fixed schedules, the program is enabling more Victorians to access to care when and where they need it.
Be part of the next phase
This milestone is just the beginning, and we invite health services across Victoria to get involved, by referring suitable patients to this service.
How to refer
To submit a referral:
- Visit the Victorian Virtual Specialist Clinics (VVSC) platform.
- Select 'Pulmonary Rehab-Virtual'
For referral queries, eligibility advice or general information, health services can contact the Victorian Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation (VVPR) team at VVPR@nh.org.au.
Looking ahead
The pilot will continue through to 2026, learnings from the pilot will inform future models of virtual care to transform how we support people living with chronic illness to stay well at home.
Learn more
Victorian Virtual Pulmonary Rehabilitation | Northern Health