Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Stop the Downward Spiral!

Overview

Pulmonary rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been extensively studied in the literature and consistently supports pulmonary rehabilitation for all patients with COPD. However, despite these proven benefits, it is vastly under-utilized due to a number of barriers.  

The progression of rehabilitation for COPD is often unclear, ranging from acute care to home health, and outpatient rehabilitation. The goal of this online course is to increase health care provider’s knowledge to seamlessly transition patients through each stage of pulmonary rehabilitation, ultimately optimizing their COPD management.

In this online course, we will define the role of respiratory physiotherapy, and essential components of pulmonary rehabilitation, including the clinical assessment, and exercise prescription for patients with COPD. Additionally, we will dive into special considerations for pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD. 

Join the Cardiorespiratory Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association for this online course 'Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Stop the Downward Spiral!'

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Identify the essential components of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, including exercise training, education, psychosocial support, and nutritional interventions.
   
   
2. Identify the barriers that hinder access to and completion of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and explore strategies to overcome these barriers.
   
   
3. Learn physiotherapy assessment techniques specific to patients with COPD, focusing on functional capacity, respiratory limitations, and exercise tolerance.
   
   
4. Develop proficiency in designing physiotherapy exercise prescriptions and treatment plans tailored to the needs of patients with COPD in pulmonary rehabilitation settings.
   
   
5. Apply the lessons from this course to analyze and develop effective physiotherapy interventions through a clinical case study approach in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Audience

This course is highly recommended for healthcare professionals involved in the treatment of COPD patients within pulmonary rehabilitation settings. This includes respiratory physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, kinesiologists, and exercise physiologists alike.

The Presenter: Melissa Bednarek

PT, DPT, PhD, Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy

Dr. Melissa Bednarek earned her entry-level Master of Physical Therapy degree from MCP Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, PA and her PhD in Physiology from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.  She joined the faculty in the Chatham University Doctor of Physical Therapy Program in Pittsburgh, PA in 2009, where she later earned her transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree.

She is currently the Program Director and an Associate Professor at Chatham and teaches clinical physiology, cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy, and the pharmacology thread.  Clinically, she has practiced in acute care, outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation and home health and became a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Physical Therapy in 2014.