COPD Course Package

Respiratory therapists interact with many people in a variety of settings who may also use some sort of tobacco product. While the RT may be comfortable discussing other healthcare topics, the tobacco cessation discussion may be uncomfortable or difficult to initiate. This Clinician’s Guide to Treating Tobacco Dependence provides RTs with the guidance necessary to understand the effects of nicotine, differentiate among tobacco products, discuss the addiction cycle, and initiate the tobacco cessation discussion with patients.

Approved for 3.0 CRCE

Speaker Information

Authors of the materials are:

• Erna Boone DrPH, RRT, FAARC
• Scott Cerreta BS, RRT
• Crystal Dunlevy EdD, RRT
• Robert Fluck MS, RRT, FAARC
• Grace Howard BSRT, RRT
• Kathryn Ickes BS, RRT, RPFT, AE-C
• Gaylene Lee MEd, RRT, RRT-NPS, TTS
• Mary Martinasek PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, CPH, CHES, AE-C
• Susan Rinaldo Gallo MEd, RRT, CTTS, FAARC
• Karen Schell DHSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-SDS, RPFT, RPSGT, AE-C, CT
• Courtney Seibert BS, RRT, RRT-NPS
• Georgianna Sergakis PhD, RRT
• Shawna Strickland PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, AE-C, FAARC
• Jay Taylor RRT, CTTS
• Sarah Varekojis PhD, RRT
• Jonathan Waugh PhD, RRT, RPFT, CTTS, FAARC

RTs interact with patients with COPD from initial diagnosis throughout the life of the patient. It is important for RTs to not only understand the etiology of the disease, the underlying physiology of the disease, and how it is diagnosed but also what available treatment interventions should be used based upon published evidence regarding patient assessment and response to therapy and environment. This presentation will focus on the most recent GOLD guidelines and highlight how the RT can contribute to the multidisciplinary care plan of the patient with COPD to promote the best quality of life.

Approved for 1.0 CRCE

Speaker Information

• Tim Gilmore, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, CPFT, AE-C

The NHLBI released the COPD National Action Plan was released in May 2017 after a collaborative effort from the COPD community, including the AARC. It is the first-ever blueprint for a multifaceted approach to improving the lives of those diagnosed with COPD and their families. The goal of this webcast is to increase awareness of the COPD National Action Plan amongst respiratory therapists and encourage them to use it in their practice and promotion of improved care and better outcomes for those who have COPD and for those who care for persons with COPD.

Approved for 1.0 CRCE

Speaker Information

• Frank Salvatore Jr., MBA, RRT, FAARC