Resp Care
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Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the second greatest cause of disability in the USA. COPD rehabilitation programs can reduce numbers of rehospitalizations, reduce overall costs of care, and improve the quality of patients' lives. ⋯ Respiratory therapists can participate in pulmonary rehabilitation programs in program design and evaluation, in interviewing, educating, and counseling patients and families, by performing respiratory and physical therapy, and in vital research on costs and benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation. In addition, some respiratory therapy managers may direct financial management of such programs.