Complexities and Treatment Strategies with Pulmonary Disease

Pulmonary disease often places clients at significant risk for exacerbations and hospital readmissions. Clients with pulmonary disease processes are also noted to have other significant co-morbidities which increases their clinical risks. Whether a client has a primary or secondary diagnosis with this decreased respiratory function, it is helpful for clinicians to be equipped with the applicable and effective clinical strategies.

This course offers research-based evidence and practical applications to best understand and treat clients with pulmonary dysfunctions such as COPD, pulmonary emphysema, pulmonary bronchitis, and post-effects of COVID-19. Resources will include pulmonary rehab protocols for monitoring signs/symptoms as well as reporting systems within the interprofessional team. These protocols are also established to improve the client’s overall health status and to enable a more active lifestyle, while helping them return to their prior level of function. Tips for providing pulmonary education will also be shared, as well as information to best understand the medications that are mostprescribed to patients with pulmonary disorders. Courseparticipants will be offered interdisciplinary strategies and compensatory techniques that can be most helpful for use with all pulmonary rehab clients.

Highlights

• Discuss effects of common medications for clients with decreased respiratory function
• Recognize which signs and symptoms are significant to monitor throughout a client’s therapy session
• Cite examples of therapy techniques by PT, OT and SLP clinicians
• Receive education protocols for the client and their caregiver to promote increased respiratory function
• Learn objective and accurate recommendations for documenting skilled services

Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants, Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Speech-Language Pathologists