Pulmonary Rehabilitation
The American College of Chest Physicians' Committee on Pulmonary Rehabilitation adopted the following definition:
Pulmonary Rehabilitation may be defined as an art of medical practice wherein an individually tailored, multidisciplinary program is formulated which through accurate diagnosis, therapy, emotional support, and education, stabilizes or reverses both the physio- and psychopathology of pulmonary diseases and attempts to return the patient to the highest possible functional capacity allowed by his pulmonary handicap and overall life situation.
The two principal objectives of pulmonary rehabilitation are to: (1) control and alleviate as much as possible the symptoms and pathophysiologic complications of respiratory impairment, and (2) teach the patient how to achieve optimal capability for carrying out his/her activities of daily living.
Overview
The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Jackson Purchase Medical Center is designed for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Emphysema, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma, Pulmonary Fibrosis and other conditions. The program combines education with therapeutic exercise and functional activities into a comprehensive 8-12 week program. The goal is to help the patient understand and cope with the disease and function more comfortably and independently at home.
Pre-admission Evaluation
Upon your doctor's referral, you will be evaluated by a registered nurse. If found to be appropriate for admission to the program, a team of healthcare professionals, consisting of a registered nurse, registered respiratory therapist, and exercise physiologist, will evaluate your current level of functioning and work with you to design an individualized program to meet your needs.
Your pre-program evaluation may include pulmonary function studies, laboratory tests, EKG and a six-minute walk test, all performed in consultation with your personal physicians as well as the program's medical director.
Program Summary
During the first session you will begin with an orientation to your program. Thereafter you will participate in educational activities and a progressive exercise program. Some activities will take place individually and others with a group of patients dealing with similar breathing problems.
You will come to the program three days each week. Your visits will last approximately one hour, and you will be given a exercise plan to continue at home at least one to two additional times per week. Your exercise program will begin at a level based on your ability. It will start slowly and progress toward your goal each week. It will consist of aerobic conditioning activities such as paced walking or exercise bicycling and other exercises to improve your strength and endurance. Attention will be given to both upper and lower body muscle groups.
Educational lectures and activities will cover a wide range of topics designed to help you fully understand your disease and give you the information you need to improve function and feel better.
During the regular support groups you will have the opportunity to share your questions and concerns with others dealing with similar challenges. Your progress will be continually monitored, and adjustments will be made to your program based on your performance.
Our goal is to provide you with the skills and knowledge you will need to live better with your disease.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please call the Cardiopulmonary Department at 270.251.4120 and ask to talk with someone about our pulmonary rehabilitation program.