New Zealand Respiratory Conference 2017

Theme: Sharing the care - breathing easier
Dates: 23-24 November 2017
Location: Pullman Hotel, Auckland


The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ was excited to bring you the New Zealand Respiratory Conference 2017.

Focusing on the theme of sharing the care – breathing easier, industry experts came together to discuss working collaboratively and in partnership, to ultimately improve client health outcomes.

The programme provided the latest research in the clinical management of respiratory health including asthma, COPD, bronchiectasis and sleep apnoea. Experts discussed how to provide support that is community-based, family-centred and culturally relevant.

The conference was the largest gathering or hui for professionals with an interest in respiratory health in New Zealand. Delegates from a variety of professions join us each year, including GP’s, nurses, pharmacists, specialists, educators and researchers.

The first day began with a session on the large impact that respiratory disease has on New Zealand, the high statistics and what some of the reasons are behind these.

Later in the day presentations focussed on the conditions of bronchiectasis and sleep apnoea, and finished with workshops based around real life stories of people who suffer from these conditions.

Day two began with a panel discussion around what 'shared care' means to some of the health care providers out in the field, and how this can have a positive impact on respiratory health for our communities. This was followed by sessions about wrap around services and how this theory can help with key outcomes including empowerment, self-efficacy, improved problem solving and sustainable change for patients.

Later in the day we had a focus on COPD and pulmonary rehabilitation, before moving on to the condition of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

In the afternoon the focus shifted to research and resources, where the new Child and Adolescent Asthma Guidelines were presented, and the team from the Foundation discussed some of the new resources and tools that have been created throughout the year.