Pulmonary Rehabilitation Network

Lung Foundation Australia has been working for over a decade to reduce the burden of lung disease in Australia.  The Lung Foundation recognises the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and patient support.  As part of the patient care, it is recognised that Pulmonary Rehabilitation plays a significant role in the wellbeing of our patients.  A register of pulmonary rehabilitation programs around the country is held at the Lung Foundation and we have approximately 260 programs.  Many programs have waiting lists or struggle for funding.  In rural and remote areas there may not be full programs available.  We also recognise the need for ongoing maintenance and are aware of the lack of community based programs appropriate for this patient group.

In 2012 the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Network was developed with the main purpose of providing a forum for sharing ideas; provide peer support to new and developing programs, and to promote increased access to pulmonary rehabilitation across Australia.

The Lung Foundation envisaged that in consultation with this group potential projects would include: the development of national pulmonary rehabilitation guidelines, advocacy for MBS rebate for Pulmonary Rehabilitation and maintenance, and the development of a national training program for pulmonary rehabilitation. Since the commencement of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Network numerous actions and steps forward have already been taken to ensure the successful completion of the projects set out by the Lung Foundation.

To date there are currently 73 members within the network representing 7 out of the 8 Australian states and territories. We are still seeking interest from Tasmanian based health professionals. The disciplines currently involved include physiotherapists, accredited exercise physiologists, clinical nurses and respiratory specialists.

Within this network there are also 21 state representatives who volunteer their time to be involved in teleconferences as needs arise, and an annual face-to-face meeting at the TSANZ annual conference. Minutes of the State Representative meetings are disseminated to all Pulmonary Rehabilitaion Network Members for information and/or feedback and input.

As a part of the development of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation network, a Terms of Reference has been formulated by network members. Please find the current Terms of Reference by clicking here. This document highlights the aims and objects of the network, in addition to the membership terms.  As the network is still in its developmental phase, please acknowledge that the Terms of Reference is still in draft form.

The Lung Foundation continues to seek interest from health professionals Australia wide to join the network if you:

• Work with COPD patients in a clinical environment and/or
• Have involvement in COPD research
• Are recognised as a member of a pulmonary rehabilitation team

If you  are interested in being a part of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Network, or would like more information please contact Emma Gainer-  Program Manger Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Lungs in Action: emma@lungfoundation.com.au