The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) has designated September as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. During this global month-long awareness campaign, the PFF has provided resources to help you educate your patients about this rare disease.
Resources to help you promote Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, such as a planning toolkit as well as social media campaign items, can be found on the PFF website.
According to the PFF website, one in 200 adults over 65 years of age are affected by IPF in the United States. In fact, 200,000 individuals are currently living with IPF. And 50,000 new cases of IPF are diagnosed each year.
Get Prepared for PF
AARC Director of Education, Mandy De Vries, M.S.-RCL/Ed, RRT, RRT-NPS, says the AARC has several resources that can help RTs become better prepared to assist patients with chronic lung disease like PF.
“The AARC offers courses that support education in pulmonary fibrosis, such as the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certificate course, the Pulmonary Disease Educator Course and the Clinician’s Guide for Treating Tobacco Dependency. These courses help RTs focus their involvement with patients diagnosed with PF, on activities and interventions that are evidence-based and proven for effective management.”
PF is a devastating disease with a poor prognosis for most people. Respiratory therapists are the perfect clinicians to take the lead in helping these patients cope with the condition as best they can and make the most out of the life they have left to live.
Email newsroom@aarc.org with questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.
Heather Willden is the Director of Governance and Strategic Initiatives for the AARC where she works with state affiliates as the HOD liaison. She also manages DEI efforts and strategic initiatives. Connect with her about these topics by email, AARConnect or LinkedIn. When she's not working, you can find her podcasting with her husband, exploring new hiking trails, photographing, and spending time with her family.
