Programme highlight: allied health professionals
The work of allied healthcare professionals (AHPs) in respiratory medicine (physiotherapists, lung function technologists, scientists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, nutritionists) is a growing and exciting field involving the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment and management of acute and chronic respiratory diseases. Chronic and acute respiratory care have become increasingly multidisciplinary and the role of many AHPs has evolved to include important scientific and clinical innovations. Work includes developing new diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, pulmonary rehabilitation, supervision of noninvasive ventilation and running preventive programmes. Congress is an opportunity for all professionals to gain expertise and learn from each other's disciplines.
There are a number of important educational sessions on offer, including sessions covering inhaler techniques, spirometry and physical activity monitoring. Congress offers opportunity to learn the latest techniques for research, diagnosis and treatment and the chance to hear findings from cutting-edge research in the field. Session topics will include: conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses; how to help manage patient nutrition for positive health impacts; and new lung function tests using exhaled biomarkers. All working groups also organise social events to facilitate the friendly and collegial atmosphere of the Congress.
Delegates are encouraged to come to the their Assembly and Group meetings as this is one of the best ways to meet with colleagues from across the world and find out more about ERS activities and become directly involved in the design of future events.
Professor Thierry Troosters, Head of the ERS Allied Respiratory Professionals Assembly, said: "Allied health professionals often form the bridge between the pure medical field and the patient. They typically have a wealth of experience of working with patients and delivering state-of-the-art multidisciplinary diagnosis and care to patients. They have a good understanding of how patients interact with health systems and how they respond to treatments. By building networks with medical doctors, and other respiratory healthcare professionals, we can share our expertise. The ERS International Congress is the meeting place to share this expertise, look into ideas from around the world and achieve better outcomes for patients."
Register for the Allied Health Professional 2-day package which gives you access to Congress for Saturday and Sunday only and includes 1 postgraduate course or 1 educational skills workshop of your choice on the Saturday.
Below we highlight just some of the Congress sessions on offer for this topic. Browse the full programme online.
*Registration for these courses is additional to the Congress registration fee. Junior members can register for sessions at a reduced rate.