Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. About 18 million people in the United States have COPD, and many more may have it without knowing. COPD affects people in rural areas nearly twice as often as those living in large cities. Despite this higher need, access to care is limited—there are roughly twice as many pulmonary rehabilitation programs in metropolitan areas compared to rural communities. This gap means that while COPD is more prevalent in rural areas, access to specialized care to help manage chronic respiratory disease is far more limited. As a result, people in rural communities are more likely to experience severe symptoms, complications, and higher rates of hospitalization.
One of the best treatments for COPD is pulmonary rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehab helps people breathe better, build strength, and learn how to manage their symptoms. However, only about 4 out of every 100 people with COPD actually receive pulmonary rehab. This is often because patients are asked to come to a clinic two or three times a week, which is difficult for many — especially those who live far away, do not have transportation, or have trouble moving. At CHC/SEK, more than 3,700 patients have COPD or similar lung diseases, showing how important it is to find better ways to provide care.
To help solve this problem, the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is working with the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) on a new program for people with COPD who live in rural Kansas. This project combines in-person care with easy-to-use technology so patients can get help closer to home. The program is led by Dr. Dave Burnett, PhD, RRT, from KU, who studies better ways to care for people with lung disease, especially in rural communities and Casey Hudson, MD, a physician at CHC’s Pittsburg North location.
This project started in October 2025 and will run through 2026. CHC/SEK will enroll 30 adults with COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases. Each patient will go through a 12-week program, using a hybrid approach in which patients receive care both in clinic and at home. The program includes weekly CHC/SEK clinic visits with a respiratory therapist, home exercises, education, and check-ins. Some patients may also choose to take part in behavioral health support to help with stress, anxiety, or feelings of isolation, which are common challenges for people living with COPD. Since the start of this project, we have had five patients complete the 12-week program and five that are about to start.
Patients will also use a phone or tablet app called myPR. This app includes exercise videos, teaches patients about COPD, helps them track their symptoms, and connects them with their care team. This makes it easier for patients to stay active and involved in their care without needing to travel to the clinic several times a week.
This project is both a research study and an opportunity to continuously improve care at CHC/SEK. This research will provide valuable feedback from clinicians and patients through the app as well as help to determine the effectiveness of the app for improving quality of life, symptoms of shortness of breath, and exercise capacity. At the same time, CHC/SEK and KUMC are working together to make sure the program fits into everyday clinic care and can continue even after the study ends. The goal is not just to collect data, but to build a program that lasts and continues to help patients.
The partnership will also help train future healthcare workers. Respiratory Therapy students from KUMC will travel to CHC/SEK to learn about rural healthcare and help educate patients who have lung disease. This gives students real-world experience while supporting the clinic and its patients. At CHC/SEK, students gain firsthand experience with rural health disparities and may be inspired to pursue careers in rural communities.
By working together, CHC/SEK and the KUMC are helping bring better COPD care to rural Kansas. This program shows how clinics, universities, and technology can team up to make care easier to access, improve patient health, and support rural communities now and in the future. For more information, please contact Dave Burnett at [email protected].