In recent years, the climate surrounding the development and implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation programs has continued to evolve. Legal changes regarding program funding, compensation, and staffing are more dependent on effective certified pulmonary rehabilitation programming. To help those programs develop and succeed, the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) has updated the Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs to address the credentialing requirements.

This revised fourth edition presents the most current best practices for the application of this complex and evolving clinical intervention. It discusses the individuated and interrelated components of pulmonary rehabilitation, including initial and ongoing assessment, collaborative self-management education, exercise training, psychosocial support, and outcomes measurement. This text also provides a scientific, practical framework to help practitioners do the following:

• Understand the current requirements for accrediting pulmonary-based facilities
  
• Design, implement, or update accredited pulmonary rehabilitation programs
  
• Deliver optimal care to people with symptomatic respiratory needs
  
• Address program issues in exercise, outcomes, and management of pulmonary-based programs

Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs, Fourth Edition, is based on the most current scientific evidence and includes contributions from expert pulmonary rehabilitation professionals in nursing, medicine, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, and exercise physiology. In the fourth edition, readers will find significant updates and expanded discussion on the topic of psychosocial assessment. The fourth edition also includes a dedicated chapter detailing the AACVPR program certification process. In addition, readers will have access to updated appendixes, including a comprehensive set of forms, guidelines, questionnaires, and assessment tools.

With continued advancements in the science, application, and credentialing of pulmonary rehabilitation programs, the fourth edition of Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs will assist practitioners in remaining up to date on the best practices in the field. This edition will become a valuable tool in assisting practitioners in understanding the components of pulmonary rehabilitation and applying best practices as well as updating and improving their existing programs to meet AACVPR certification requirements.

Chapter 1. Overview of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Definition
Positioning Pulmonary Rehabilitation Within COPD Guidelines
Rationale for Pulmonary Rehabilitation
ACCP/AACVPR Evidence-Based Guidelines on Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Integrated Care of the Respiratory Patient
History of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Summary

Chapter 2. Selecting and Assessing the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Candidate
Patient Selection
Patient Assessment
Rehabilitation Potential
Summary

Chapter 3. Collaborative Self-Management Education
Developing an Individualized Education Program
Educational Content
Summary

Chapter 4. Exercise Assessment and Training
Exercise Assessment
Walk Distance Tests (WDTs)
Incremental Maximal Exercise Tests (IMETs)
Submaximal Exercise Test
Exercise Assessment Equipment
Functional Performance Assessment
Exercise Training in Chronic Lung Disease
Principles of Exercise Training
Upper- and Lower-Extremity Training
Strength Training
Flexibility, Posture, and Body Mechanics
Respiratory Muscle Training
Emergency Procedures
Documenting the Evaluation and Treatment Session
Home Exercise Program
Summary

Chapter 5. Psychosocial Assessment and Intervention
Prevalence of Psychosocial Concerns
Assessment of Psychosocial Concerns
Interventions for Psychosocial Concerns
Interventions for Other Psychological Concerns
Summary

Chapter 6. Patient-Centered Outcomes
Timing and Analyzing Outcomes
Common Outcome Measures
Summary

Chapter 7. Disease-Specific Approaches in Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Asthma
Cystic Fibrosis
Interstitial Lung Disease
Obesity-Related Respiratory Disorders
Pulmonary Hypertension
Chest Wall and Neuromuscular Disorders
Lung Cancer
Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Surgical Patient
Lung Volume Reduction Surgery
Lung Transplantation
Patients With Coexisting Respiratory and Cardiac Disease
Summary

Chapter 8. Program Management
Interdisciplinary Team
Program Content and Structure
Administrative Aspects of Program Management
Postrehabilitation Maintenance
Reimbursement
Strategies for Program Success
Summary

Chapter 9. AACVPR Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certification
Resources for Certification
Certification Process
Staffing Ratios for Exercise
Documentation Overview
Summary

Appendix A. Forms, Questionnaires, and Assessments
Appendix B. American Thoracic Society Statement: Guidelines for the 6-Minute Walk Test
Appendix C. Clinical Competency Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Professionals
Appendix D. Examples of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs That Meet 2, 3, and 5 Days a Week
Appendix E. Example of a Typical Pulmonary Rehabilitation Facility
Appendix F. Pulmonary Rehabilitation Skills and Competency Assessment

Index
About the AACVPR
Membership Application