Aims & Objectives

The aims of the education component of a pulmonary rehabilitation program are to:

• Promote behaviour change
• Provide information to help enhance physical fitness and increase physical activity
• Improve the patient’s quality of life.
• Increase the patient’s ability to cope with the acute and chronic phases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Reduce the length of stay in hospital.
• Reduce hospital admissions.
• Optimise nutritional status.
• Improve mental health status

In terms of learning objectives, the education component of a pulmonary rehabilitation program should assist participants to acquire:

• Self-management skills.
• Knowledge of respiratory illnesses, risk factors, symptom recognition and management.
• An understanding of the role of exercise and physical activity and knowledge of appropriate modes of exercise.
• Knowledge regarding the correct and appropriate use of medications including oxygen therapy.
• Emotional management skills.
• Breathing control skills.
• A means of improving quality of life.
• The ability to develop action plans in consultation with a health professional.
• Knowledge of primary, secondary and tertiary care options, including community support services.
• Understanding of importance of nutrition and maintaining good nutritional status.