Clinical Considerations and Treatment Strategies for Patients with Respiratory Disease

Respiratory disease often places clients at significant risk for decreased functional abilities, decreased quality of life, aswell as for an increased risk of exacerbations and hospital readmissions. These clients are also noted to have other significant comorbidities which further increases their clinical risks. Whether a client has a primary or secondary diagnosiswith this decreased respiratory function, it is helpful for clinicians to be equipped with the applicable and effective clinical assessments and 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 totheir highest level of function. Tips for providing pulmonary education will also be shared, as well as information to best understand the medications that are most prescribed to patients with pulmonary disorders. Course participants will be offered interdisciplinary assessments and treatment strategies that can be most helpful for use with all pulmonary rehab clients.

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

Highlights

• Recognize and monitor specific signs and symptoms throughout the client's therapy session
• Implement assessments and treatments for PT, OT and SLP
• Apply effective education protocols for the client and their caregiver, to promote increased respiratory function
• Confidently provide skilled/objectivedocumentation