The Breath project (Project Number: 2022-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000089283) has been Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Foundation for the Development of the Education System. Neither the European Union nor the entity providing the grant can be held responsible for them.

Project Description

Project Fact Sheet

Project title: A European Collaborative and Innovative Partnership to Promote Physical Activity for Patients with Chronic Respiratory Conditions

Project acronym: BREATH

Project number: 2024-1-PL01-KA220-HED-000246133

Programme: Erasmus+
Action Type: KA220-HED - Cooperation partnerships in higher education
Field: Higher Education

Implementation years: 01.11.2022-31.10.2025

Coordinator
University of Opole, Poland

Partners

  • Klaipeda University, Lithuania
  • University of Zadar, Croatia
  • EIA- Atlantica, Portugal
  • Pixel, Italy
  • University of Cádiz, Spain

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.