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.