Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

The treatment of chronic lung disease is frequently complicated, confusing, and frustrating for both patients and their families and for those who care for them. Sierra Vista Regional Health Center is proud to sponsor a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program. Pulmonary Rehabilitation focuses on not only clients affected by lung disease but their families, as well.

As a nine-week, small-group course, Pulmonary Rehabilitation is designed to help cope with symptoms and problems that living with lung disease causes. The scope of the program includes three sessions per week consisting of classroom learning, therapy, and physical exercise. These concentrations include:

• Improved quality of life

• Reduced shortness of breath

• Decreased number of hospital and healthcare provider visits

• Improved symptom control

• Education for skills retraining, physical reconditioning, and psychological support

Requiring a referral from a physician, clients for Pulmonary Rehabilitation will be considered by the following criteria:

• Is there a pulmonary disease diagnosis?

• Is the client on a maximal medical treatment regimen?

• Is the client stable with no other limiting serious medical and/or mental conditions?

• Is there a documented decrease in activities of daily living?

• Has the client stopped smoking for three months or more?

• Is the client motivated to be an active participant for healthcare improvement?

After receiving a physician's referral, candidates for Pulmonary Rehabilitation will undergo pre-evaluation studies involving workups, to include Pulmonary Function tests, EKG's, and chest X-rays. After assessment and the candidacy confirmed, they can be scheduled for the program.

Family members play an important role in a candidate's pulmonary rehabilitation process. They are encouraged to attend the educational sessions and observe the exercise portion.

Throughout the program, a client's primary care provider will receive periodic updates. Additionally, the Better Breather's Club and Cardiac Rehabilitation Education Classes serve as support groups for clients and their families connecting important elements of their total healthcare.

For more information, please call (520) 417-4528.