Pulmonary Physiology, Function, and Rehabilitation NetWork News
Note from the NetWork Chair
I hope everyone is safe during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, which has presented a significant challenge for health care professionals performing lung function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. These tests often generate aerosols due to the patient coughing, as well as high-minute ventilation and flow rates, placing testing personnel at increased risk. A poll of Pulmonary Physiology, Function, and Rehabilitation NetWork Steering Committee members provided a range of opinions regarding optimal lung function and exercise testing laboratory procedures to ensure patient and staff safety. However, there was a consensus on performing only essential tests and utilizing personal protective equipment. All laboratories are performing symptom screening, and many are requiring negative SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction tests prior to testing.
Check out our NetWork’s latest article, “Lung function testing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” by steering committee members, Aaron Holley, MD, FCCP, and Tom DeCato, MD, FCCP, in the latest CHEST Physician®issue.
UpcomingNetWork calls
As a NetWork member, you're welcome to join your NetWork Steering Committee calls. If interested in joining an upcoming call, please contact Michelle Kosobucki at mkosobucki@chestnet.org, and she will be happy to share access information.
Thursday, September 16, at 12 pm CT
COVID-19 resources
Explore the COVID-19 Resource Center to find curated content to help you during the pandemic. Browse through clinical resources, access key research related to the management of patients with COVID-19, view recorded webinars, and more.
Tom DeCato, MD, FCCP, is the current Vice-Chair for the Pulmonary Physiology, Function, and Rehabilitation NetWork. He is Assistant Professor of Medical Education and Clinical Sciences at the Washington State University, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, and the Medical Director of the Pulmonary Laboratory and Respiratory Services at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and Holy Family Hospital in Spokane, Washington. His interests include pulmonary and exercise physiology and applying pulmonary lab diagnostics to better patient care.
The NetWorks Challenge 2021 starts this July! Join us this summer in a virtual 25k race to raise funds for community-based projects focused on health disparities and disproportionately underserved communities. Get ready to compete in the challenge to directly make an impact on those who could otherwise not afford access to health care. Register for your race kit.
In-person simulation courses are back, and seats are filling fast. The all-new course format for 2021 ensures your safety while offering you valuable hands-on, interactive training with experts. Explore the full course schedule to find these and other courses:
I hope everyone is safe during this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, which has presented a significant challenge for health care professionals performing lung function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. These tests often generate aerosols due to the patient coughing, as well as high-minute ventilation and flow rates, placing testing personnel at increased risk. A poll of Pulmonary Physiology, Function, and Rehabilitation NetWork Steering Committee members provided a range of opinions regarding optimal lung function and exercise testing laboratory procedures to ensure patient and staff safety. However, there was a consensus on performing only essential tests and utilizing personal protective equipment. All laboratories are performing symptom screening, and many are requiring negative SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction tests prior to testing.
