Programs and Services

Respiratory Rehabilitation Program

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Overview

The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre’s (TOHRC) Respiratory Rehabilitation program is designed to help those with chronic lung disease increase their ability to live independently and overcome the physical limitations of their disease. 

Respiratory rehabilitation consists of endurance training, education and disease symptom and disability management. Together, these are overlapping activities contribute to improved quality of life, reduced disability, reduced respiratory-related hospitalizations and increased overall independence. 

 

An older person wearing a beige sweater uses a nebulizer mask while sitting. A healthcare professional stands beside them holding the nebulizer machine.

Who we serve

Respiratory rehabilitation may benefit people with chronic lung disease whose daily activities and quality of life are restricted by the following symptoms:

  • Frequent cough.
  • Increased sputum and wheezing.
  • Breathlessness on moderate exertion.

Our program is targeted to include patients with any chronic lung disease, including:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, asthma, sleep-disordered breathing).
  • Restrictive pulmonary disorders (pulmonary fibrosis, farmer’s lung, asbestosis).
  • Pre- and post-surgery (e.g., lung transplant, lung-volume reduction, pulmonary complications of cancer).
  • Adult cystic fibrosis. 

Services

Most patients participate on an outpatient basis, using a 12-week program of primarily exercise training (two days per week, for one to two hours per session). Consultation and group education sessions with various team members are included.

Some patients participate as inpatients.  There are six inpatient beds.  The inpatient program is four weeks of exercise training, twice a day, from Monday to Friday. Consultation and group education sessions with various team members are included, with clients returning home each weekend to practice the new techniques and knowledge acquired. This allows clients to give feedback to team members and receive ongoing follow-up support. 

In response to patient-identified goals, the team develops an individualized program to be carried out in both group and one-on-one settings. This includes participation in the assessment and training of:

  • Endurance: Walking, treadmill, stationary cycling, walker evaluation.
  • Pacing: Stairs, walking, other daily functional activities.
  • Strengthening: Lightweight training for arms and legs.
  • Lung secretion clearance: Effective coughing, trial of techniques to loosen secretions such as steaming, trunk flexibility exercises, flutter valve etc.
  • Breath control: Techniques to improve pattern of breathing, shortness of breath, flutter valve etc.
  • Education: Individual and group sessions using a variety of teaching strategies.

A wide range of topics are covered in education, such as:

  • Lung anatomy and physiology: How your lungs work.
  • Pathophysiology of lung disease: What’s wrong with your lungs.
  • Lung hygiene management: Making the best of your lungs.
  • Medical management.
  • Medications.
  • Oxygen assessment.
  • Nutrition and diet.
  • Energy conservation and work simplification: Changing your lifestyle.
  • Disease symptom and disability management.
  • Family sessions and family conferences.
  • Breathing training strategies.
  • Anxiety, symptom and self-management skill training. 

Team

Our respiratory rehabilitation team works together with patients and families to provide care and support.  They include:

  • Respirologists
  • Nurses
  • Respiratory therapists
  • Physiotherapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Pharmacists
  • Psychologists
  • Clinical dieticians
  • Social workers 

Eligibility

Are you a good candidate for respiratory rehabilitation? 

You may be a good candidate for respiratory rehabilitation if you are 18 years or older, have been referred by a doctor, have a respiratory diagnosis or any of the following: 

  • Have been hospitalized or visited an emergency department due to shortness of breath.
  • Want to improve your quality of life now limited by shortness of breath.
  • Are motivated and committed to initiate and maintain an exercise program.
  • Are able and willing to learn how you can better manage your condition.
  • Have a FEV1 less than or equal to 70 per cent.
  • Are supplemental oxygen dependent.
  • Are able to participate in self-care, i.e. dressing, toileting.
  • Are able to return home every weekend (inpatients only).
  • Are able to attend multiple appointments in a day. 

You are not ready for respiratory rehabilitation if you:

  • Still smoke.*
  • Are acutely ill.
  • Have other serious medical conditions which would interfere with your safe participation in a physical exercise program (e.g. cardiac, severe arthritis or dementia).
  • Have a FEV1 less than 20 per cent.

*A smoking cessation program provided by the clinical education nurse is available onsite. 

Referrals and assessment

All patients must be referred to the program by a doctor. Once referred, all patients undergo an assessment.

Comprehensive assessment identifies appropriate candidates for rehabilitation and allows a program tailored to specific client needs.  

It includes a medical and exercise evaluation, including a general assessment of daily activities, and an overview of the psychological, social and emotional well-being of the candidate that will allow participation in the respiratory rehabilitation program.

A clinical assessment will determine if you will participate as either an outpatient or as an inpatient. 

Resources

Ontario Lung Association

Contact us

The Respiratory Rehabilitation Program

613-737-7350 ext. 5318

613-736-9054

The Ottawa Hospital Rehabilitation Centre 
505 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON  K1H 8M2