The Breath project (Project Number: 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000089283) has been Co-financed by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author or authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System, nor can the European Union or the entity granting the scholarship be responsible for them.

Project Description

Background

Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) have increased in prevalence and are a major cause of health burden and death worldwide. In general, the total cost of respiratory disease in the 28 countries of the EU alone is over 380 billion euros annually. As the disease progresses, complications can become more frequent and complex. Current evidence suggests that physical activity and long-term rehabilitation should be recommended to patients with chronic respiratory disease, as physical activity improves health outcomes and does not significantly increase the risk of harm.

Aims

The project aims to develop rehabilitation programs and plans, improve undergraduate and post-graduate education, improve patient education, educate patient's families and patients organizations, and improve patients quality of life.
The project also aims to improve the skills of the following stakeholders:

  • University physiotherapy/ physical activity /sports /nursing students that need to acquire the professional skills and competencies required of today’s patients with chronic respiratory disease;
  • Physiotherapy/ physical activity /sports /nursing professionals who wish to specialize in a particular area.

Target Groups

The project target groups are:

  • Lecturers and trainers in higher education institutions
  • University physiotherapy / physical activity / sports / nursing students
  • Physiotherapy / physical activity / sports / nursing professionals
  • Patients with chronic respiratory diseases

Activities and Results

The project foresees 3 main activities:

  1. Comparison of local conditions in participating countries taking into account epidemiology, organization of National Health Service, management, rehabilitation pathways, and rehabilitation structures, to review the development of physical activity programs for patients with respiratory diseases and local unmet needs.
  2. Create a database of best practices that promote and inhibit physical activity in patients with respiratory disease
  3. Develop an e-learning platform for healthcare and physical activity/sport professionals to help them organize physical activities with patients with respiratory diseases and a digital platform for e-learning.