Patients' Club

Speakers

• Prof. Dr. Irina Strâmbu, senior pulmonologist
• Prof. Dr. Dragoș Bumbăcea, senior pulmonologist
• Dr. Alina Croitoru, senior pulmonologist
• Andreea Dumitrescu, psychologist
• Physiotherapist

Programme

Session 1 — General information about pulmonary fibrosis

• mechanisms, symptoms, progression;
• diagnostic pathway and the importance of early detection;
• modifiable risk factors: smoking, air quality, physical activity, infection prevention.

Practical workshop: breathing techniques, adapted physical exercises.

Session 2

• treatment and monitoring.

Practical workshop: oxygen therapy — indications and correct use, equipment demonstrations.

Practical workshop: coping strategies, symptom management, group sessions facilitated by a psychologist.

Moderated discussions between patients, caregivers, and medical staff.

Educational materials for participants: information brochures, a breathing exercise guide, materials on treatment and symptom management, a sample explanatory letter from a patient to their loved ones.

The event will take place in person and will later be available online. The project also integrates two independent observational studies — an assessment of patients' and caregivers' educational and psychosocial needs, and an evaluation of the impact of the educational intervention (pre/post-event questionnaires, voluntary participation, anonymised/pseudonymised data collection).