|
Pulmonary rehabilitation has proven to be an effective therapy in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. The program integrates medical management, coping skills, exercise reconditioning, self-management techniques, and education. It is believed that positive changes are possible due to the following significant reversible components that can be attributed to COPD: bronchospasm, dyspnea, inactivity and psychological problems.
Respiratory therapists perform the major role at the Caritas Centre for Lung Health with significant contributions by physiotherapists, recreation therapists, dietitians, pharmacists and pulmonary physicians.
In 2003, the Institute of Health Economics concluded a study conducted on graduates of the Breathe Easy Program. Their findings showed that:
Participants experienced a 4.85 per cent improvement in health-related quality of life which is above the 0.2 per cent researchers in this field regard to be a clear and valid clinical indication of improvement.
The greatest improvement and impact in quality of life is found with participants in the earliest stages of COPD.
The program reduces costs in the health care system due to the resultant decrease in hospitalization and emergency room visits.
Admission Criteria
All patients are referred by physicians and have a previously diagnosed pulmonary condition as verified by a pulmonary function test and chest X-ray taken within one year. Assessments are performed by one of eight rotating pulmonary specialists, a staff respiratory therapist and a respiratory assistant. Assessments include a medical history summary and a physician examination conducted by the pulmonary specialist. Resting pulse rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, height and weight are all recorded.
Monitoring Participants
Monitoring during exercise consists of continuous ECG, oximetry, participant perceived dyspnea on the Borg Scale, heart rate, blood pressure (if required) and muscle fatigue. As most people with lung disease cannot exercise within their target heart rate zone due to pulmonary insufficiency, therapists use dyspnea, muscle fatigue and oxygen saturation below 85 per cent as the preceptors for discontinuing exercise.
Pacing is the key to all activities, and participants are constantly reminded to:
- Intersperse aerobic activities
- Rest as required
- Keep resistance and speed low to reach target exercise time
- Most importantly, know and listen to their bodies
COPD is the only current leading cause of death that is increasing in prevalence. The Centre for Lung Health provides programs for approximately 400 new participants each year, which represents less than 1 per cent of the potential participants in the Capital Health Region. With this in mind, we encourage physicians to refer patients who they may feel might benefit from participating in the program to the Centre.
Download a Physician Referral Form
|
