Barrie & Community Family Health Team – Respiratory Health and Knowledge

Lung Health Program

Who We Are

The Barrie & Community Family Health Team's Lung Health Program was initiated in 2009 and focuses on Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Our goal is to advance the respiratory health and overall knowledge of the Barrie & Community Family Health Team patient population, focusing on enhancing patient self- management and quality of life. This comprehensive program is available to all Family Physicians within the Barrie & Community Family Health Team and is a community collaborative program. Our Respiratory Educator can provide a variety of care options, dependant on the request of your Family Physician.

Lung Health Program Overview

The Lung Health Program is delivered and supported by a Registered Nurse with additional certifications in respiratory health and a specialized interest in the management of Asthma and COPD.

A Respiratory Educator may conduct spirometry and provide education regarding:

Smoking cessation
Basic pathophysiology of Asthma and/or COPD
Inhaler Technique
Tools for monitoring disease (Peak Flow Monitor, Asthma Diary)
Individualized Action Plans
Awareness of Community Resources
Symptomatic Relief Strategies
Allergies and Environment Control
Self-management skills

During your visit, the Respiratory Educator will individualize your learning and may assist you in setting goals for better self-management of your chronic condition.

Appointment Information

You will be seen by our Respiratory Educator and a spirometry test may be performed.

Spirometry is a test of how well you can breathe and can help in the diagnosis of different lung diseases. The test is painless and usually takes less than 10 minutes but does require some hard blowing. You will breathe into a small device called a spirometer, which will measure the amount of air you can blow out of your lungs. This test may be indicated if you can identify with any of the following: