Interprofessional Evidence-Based Cardiopulmonary Management Protocols

Goals & Objectives:

Course Goals:

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. Common comorbidities, such as pulmonary disease, renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, and sleep disorders are also significant to understand and manage, for the optimal functional outcomes of each person living with cardiac disease. Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented and or optimally managed by addressing behavioral risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. Evidence supports the cardiac rehabilitation process to lower the risk of death and health complications for patients who have cardiac disease or who have had a cardiac event or procedure, to improve their chances of returning to an active lifestyle. This program is also effective to reduce hospital readmissions for cardiac patients.  It is critical that interprofessional practitioners are equipped with all related information, risks, and precautions to optimally progress their cardiac patients to the desired improved function. 

This course reviews the physiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular and related pulmonary disease processes, as well as common surgical cardiac procedures and the effects of different comorbidities, to familiarize practitioners with diagnostic factors, to then optimize care for their cardiac patients. Practitioners will also learn current interprofessional clinical protocols for ongoing monitoring of clinical risks, exercise limitations, exercise training models, and patient education. Case studies will be shared throughout this course for practical application and collaboration of all interprofessional members will be stressed for effective client centered care. Clinicians will be empowered to utilize this information in their everyday practice for a range of settings, to include acute hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities and home health.   

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the completion of this course, the learner will be able to: 

• Describe common cardiac and pulmonary disease processes and common surgical procedures.  
  
• Distinguish the effects and significance of common co-morbidities and related conditions 
  
• Cite interprofessional clinical practice protocols for cardiac and pulmonary disease processes.  
  
• List exercise assessment and training protocols to include limitations and monitoring systems