Ms. Antoinette Doherty studied at Trinity College Dublin, Galway University, Royal College of Surgeons Atlantic Technology University and University of North London. Antoinette has M Sc. Nursing Studies, Post Grad Diplomas in Health Care Innovation, Advanced Nursing Practice, Respiratory Nursing and a B Sc. Nursing Studies and a higher National Diploma in Community Nursing Antoinette has had a lifelong career in respiratory nursing starting at the central of excellence The Royal Brompton London in London. Antoinette is employed as an Advanced Nursing Practitioner in Respiratory Integrated Co. Donegal, Ireland working at the Errigal Chronic Disease Management Hub. Antoinette has been instrumental in developing an alternate care pathway for individuals living with exacerbating COPD through her work on the proof-of-concept Community Virtual Ward which has now expanded to a two-year Community Acute Respiratory Excellence Virtual Ward Project which strives to deliver care in the right place at the right time throughout the county of Donegal. Published in the International Journal of Nursing and Health Care Research Community Virtual Ward (CVW+ cRR) Proof of-Concept Examining the Feasibility and Functionality of Partnership-Based Alternate Care Pathway for COPD Patients- Empowering Patients to Become Partners in their Disease Management.

Claire McRory is a registered General Nurse who has worked in various nursing and management roles within hospital and community services in Donegal Ireland since 2003. Claire is currently working as Operational Lead for Chronic Disease Management (CDM) in Donegal where she is responsible for operationally managing the Respiratory, Diabetes and Cardiology services as part of the HSE Enhanced Community Care Programme. She is passionate about driving for positive change and ensuring equitable, inclusive access to care for all regardless of geographical location or social circumstance. Claire has been involved with the CARE Community Virtual Ward Project since the proof of concept phase and is extremely proud of what is has achieved for COPD patients in Donegal to date. When not working hard within the CDM service, Claire is a busy wife and mum to 3 daughters who are passionate about all things sport and is often seen in her free time on the side-line of the Gaelic and soccer pitch or cheering on her daughters in gymnastic competitions throughout Ireland.

A/Prof Rebecca Disler, from Monash University, is funded by an Australian Research Council Discovery DECRA Fellowship to lead research on improvements in rural chronic disease. As Fellow of the American Thoracic Society and TSANZ, and author of several Cochrane reviews, her work has been included in several international and national guidelines, including NICE UK and global GOLD strategies. Rebecca sits on the Editorial Board for American Thoracic Society Scholar, and the ATS Program Committee, and is a member of the Research Committee and Convenor for the Symptom Support and Palliative Care SIG for the TSANZ.

Zoe McKeough is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney and managing director of the Better Breathing Foundation which raises funds to support research in chronic lung disease. Zoe has specialised in the area of pulmonary rehabilitation as a clinician, researcher and educator where her focus has been on identification of optimal modes of exercise training within pulmonary rehabilitation programs for people with COPD. Dr McKeough has over 100 papers published in international journals and has received over $5M of research funding.

Catherine Buchan is an experienced advanced practice respiratory and sleep nurse consultant having worked at Alfred Health for over 20 years. She has a Post Grad Diploma in Advanced Nursing Critical Care and Master of Nursing Science. Catherine’s research to date has evaluated the role of nurse led clinics and services and new models of care within multidisciplinary teams. Catherine is a research assistant and PhD candidate in A/Prof Smallwood’s research team at Respiratory research@alfred, Monash University. Catherine is the co-convenor of the Respiratory Nurse special interest group, a member of the Professional Standards committee and Australian and New Zealand Respiratory audit platform working group of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand. Catherine provides holistic biopsychosocial person-centred integrated care for people with respiratory and sleep problem where evidence is translated into practice with the aim for better healthcare outcomes.

Mariana Hoffman is a research fellow with expertise in pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy and inspiratory muscle training. Mariana is a physiotherapist by background, master in adapted physical activity and doctor in rehabilitation sciences.