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Protocol for Patients with COPD Prior to Therapy

Doug DeRitis, PharmD, RPH, Colleen DeRitis, MA, OTR/L

February 6, 2013

Question

Are there any specific protocols that can be used for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) prior to therapy?

Answer

I would recommend that a patient use a Beta-Agonist inhaler 15-30 minutes prior to treatment.  In addition to the use of inhalers, if they are on steroids, they can use both in combination to decrease the inflammation of their airways prior to therapy.  

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doug deritis

Doug DeRitis, PharmD, RPH

Douglas DeRitis is a licensed pharmacist in New Jersey with over 30 years of experience. He has earned a BS and PharmD from Rutgers and an MSHI from the University of Illinois-Chicago. He currently is an Application Analyst at RWJ and previously worked for Hackensack Meridian Health. He also was a Clinical Coordinator of Pharmacy Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center where he was responsible for clinical management of oncology patients. Dr. DeRitis has previously worked as a pharmacist for Deborah Heart and Lung Center and for Saint Clare’s Medical Center.


colleen deritis

Colleen DeRitis, MA, OTR/L

Colleen DeRitis is a licensed and registered OT with more than 30 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings and is currently an Operations Director for a home care agency in NJ.  Colleen earned a MA in Occupational Therapy and MS in Healthcare Administration. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at New York University, Long Island University, Dominican College, and the State University of New York-Downstate. She has taught courses on Advanced Treatment Techniques, Clinical Conditions Across the Life Span, Therapeutic Environmental Design, and Biopsychosocial Maturation. Mrs. DeRitis contributed a chapter to the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam Review Study Guide (Cottrell)


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