The respiratory nurse in pulmonary rehabilitation

Abstract

The respiratory nurse has an important role in the assessment and delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation. The training, expert knowledge, and skills of respiratory nurses allow them undertake multidimensional assessment and to work with patients to tailor specific therapeutic interventions and to coordinate the delivery of person centered care. Respiratory nurses in particular have an important role in the provision of patient education and self-management, symptom management and monitoring, and primary and secondary prevention strategies to improve health and prevent deterioration. The role of the respiratory nurse in symptom, comorbidity, exacerbation, and medication management is outlined in this chapter. Further highlighted is the role of the respiratory nurse in adherence assessment and management, inhaler technique assessment and correction and smoking cessation.