RESP-FIT: A Technology-Enhanced Combined Inspiratory and Expiratory Muscle Strength Training Intervention for Adults With COPD.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease associated with respiratory muscle weakness and activity-limiting symptoms such as dyspnea. Respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) is an empirically validated therapy to increase respiratory muscle strength. The theoretically-informed, technology-enhanced RESPiratory FITness (RESP-FIT) intervention for COPD is a 6-week combined inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength training program with symptom measurement in real time via ecological momentary assessment (EMA).

Pulmonologists' Perspectives on and Access to Palliative Care for Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in South Carolina.

Background: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a serious illness with an unpredictable disease course and survival rates comparable with some cancers. Patients with IPF suffer considerable symptom burden, declining quality of life, and high health care resource utilization. Patients and caregivers report many unmet needs, including a desire for more education regarding diagnosis and assistance with navigating disease trajectory.

Feasibility of RESP-FIT: Technology-Enhanced Self-Management Intervention for Adults with COPD.

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with substantial functional morbidity, including activity-limiting symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue. Self-management interventions aid in symptomatic management of COPD and have been shown to produce positive outcomes on quality of life (QOL) and reduce hospital admissions.

Purpose: The purpose of this randomized controlled longitudinal pilot study was to assess feasibility of the combined Respiratory Fitness (RESP-FIT) + Smartphone Airway Management System (SAMS) program, a 6-week, self-management, technology-enhanced respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) mHealth intervention.