Home care has seen a dramatic increase of patients with COPD, resulting in greater focus on the therapy needs of these individuals. These numbers are likely to increase. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, an estimated 12 million adults have been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and many more may be living with the disease without knowing it. While there is no cure for COPD, there are treatments that can effectively ease symptoms, cut the risk of complications, and improve a patient’s quality of life.

This webinar will cover prevalence of the condition, including risk factors, as well as the impact of COPD on skeletal muscle function, specifically lower extremity function. This evidence- based educational program will provide insight and relevant information on assessment & treatment strategies for home care patients suffering from the effects of COPD.

Objectives:

•  Provide a basic description of healthy lungs function & gas exchange
• Explain how COPD impairs this gas exchange function
• Describe 3 ways the skeletal muscle function is impaired in COPD
•  Describe the effects of hyperinflation of the lungs on at least 3 ADL’s,
• Implement at least 3 different functional field tests appropriate for assessment of COPD home health patients
• Set parameters for 2 different types of home exercise program strategies appropriate for COPD home health patients.

Target Audience:

Program is geared towards Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Registered Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, Physical Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Assistants working directly with patients suffering the effects of COPD.

Presenter:

Ernest Roy, PT, DPT, is the Home Care Therapy Team Leader for Pemi-Baker Community Health, in Plymouth, NH. He is a certified Chronic Care Management Trainer and has been certified as a Strength & Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Ernie has extensive experience in a variety of roles, including Acute Care, Outpatient, Home Health and Industrial Rehabilitation. He has been in practice as a Physical Therapists for 30 years.

Continuing Education:

The presenters and program planners have no conflict of interest regarding this webinar. To apply for contact hours, please mail an evaluation form and a completed sign-in sheet, listing the individuals at your facility that participated and noting those requesting contact hours. No commercial support has been provided for this program. This program has been approved by the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Association for CEH/CEU credit for approval. Information provided in this program should be used within the scope of practice.