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The Gold Standard in Respiratory Care Meetings

 

Sunday, December 2

8:30 A.M.–9:20 A.M.
AARC Annual Business Meeting
Toni Rodriguez EdD RRT, AARC President/Presiding
The official Annual Meeting of your professional association. The 2008 AARC Officers, Board of Directors, and House of Delegates officers are installed. Reports from the AARC leadership are presented. The meeting concludes with the address of the 2007–2008 President, Toni Rodriguez EdD RRT.

8:00 A.M.–6:00 P.M.
Covidien
Sputum Bowl® Preliminaries
Jim Fenstermaker RRT FAARC
Placentia CA/Presiding
Teams from the AARC state societies compete in the preliminary competitions. The top 4 National teams will advance to the Finals on Monday evening, Dec. 3, along with the Student Sputum Bowl finalists.

9:30 A.M.–10:20 A.M.
34th Donald F Egan Scientific Memorial Lecture
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from GE Healthcare
This lecture provides an overview of in-depth information about dynamic aspects of pulmonary physiology, pulmonary medicine, or clinical respiratory care. The lectureship is extended to a recognized world-class participant in the area of interest—investigator, clinician or academician.

Caring for Patients with Life-threatening Illness and for Their Families: The Value of the Integrated Clinical Team
J Randall Curtis MD MPH, Seattle WA
Respiratory therapists provide care for many patients with life-threatening illness, whether in the intensive care unit or in caring for patients with chronic illnesses like COPD. In this context, all clinicians need an understanding of the principles and practice of integrating curative or life-prolonging care with palliative and end-of-life care. Furthermore, the integrated and collaborative clinical team has an opportunity to enhance many aspects of palliative care for patients and their families, including assessing and treating symptoms, enhancing communication and decision-making, and providing emotional and practical support. This lecture will make the case that the integrated and collaborative clinical team offers patients and families the best possible care when facing a life-threatening illness.

10:30 A.M.–11:20 A.M.
Error Management of Respiratory Care Practice
John W Salyer MBA RRT FAARC, Seattle WA
The speaker will present what is known about how often errors occur, describe how errors are measured and categorized, review error data from respiratory care departments, and present design features of safer systems.

10:30 A.M.–11:30 A.M.
Professor’s Rounds
Wet Lungs/Dry Lungs: Did the ARDSnet Trial Test This Hypothesis?
Professor: Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC
Presenter: Charles G Durbin Jr MD FAARC, Charlottesville VA
Is there a definitive answer regarding fluid management in ARDS? The latest strategy and clinical trials will be presented.

10:30 A.M.–11:50 A.M.
Pediatric Clinical Cases
An Interactive Case-Based Approach
Ira M Cheifetz MD FAARC, Durham NC and
Tiffany G Mabe RRT-NPS, Chapel Hill NC
Infants and children present with very diverse illness and injuries. In this interactive audience response session, patient cases will be presented from the MD and RRT perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on management decisions and technological challenges as well as their effects on outcome. After each case, time will be allotted for open discussions with the audience.

10:30 A.M.–11:55 A.M.
Quality Control in Lung Function Testing: Basics of Data Management
10:30 A.M.–11:10 A.M.
The Basics of Statistical Quality Control
James O Westgard PhD, Madison WI
Are you confused by laboratory statistical control methods? The author of the Westgard Rules will discuss basic concepts that can be applied to lung function testing as well as clinical laboratory testing.

11:15 A.M.–11:55 A.M.
The Use of Quality Control Data in the Lung Function Laboratory
Susan B Blonshine RRT RPFT FAARC,
Mason MI
Proper and timely interpretation of quality control data may have a profound impact on the patients you test. This presentation will demonstrate the importance of data interpretation to a lung function testing quality control program.

10:30 A.M.–11:55 A.M.
Let’s Get Fractaled Regarding Airways!
10:30 A.M.–11:10 A.M.
Defining Fractal Geometry in the Airways
April L Gochberg MA RRT, Clarksville TN
The speaker will define the difference between Euclidian and fractal geometry and introduce the language of fractal geometry. Included are a review of the anatomy of the airways using the paradigm that they are fractal, review of current literature and studies that have recognized the airway as a fractal system, demonstration of how fractal geometry can apply to the respiratory therapist, and a description of how this paradigm shift will help with diagnostics in the future.

11:15 A.M.–11:55 A.M.
Fractally Speaking!
April L Gochberg MA RRT
Fractal analysis of the airways may help with early diagnosis of disease as well as monitoring the aging process. This presentation will review studies that demonstrate this. Using other recent studies we can gain an understanding of the chaotic mixing of gases (stretch and fold) in the airway, which will increase our understanding of particle deposition. In the course of this lecture several studies will be reviewed. This lecture will also cover the methods used to do the study and explain the conclusions that are being drawn from them.

10:30 A.M.–11:55 A.M.
Leadership: An Approach from the Heart and Soul
10:30 A.M.–11:10 A.M.
Leadership: An Approach from the Heart and Soul
Nikki R England MSM RRT,
Clarksville TN
This session will provide listeners with a “softer” approach to leadership, removing the “taboo” of caring for your co-workers and relationship building.

11:15 A.M.–11:55 A.M.
Pathway to the Future
Nikki R England MSM RRT
An approach for creating a “life plan” in regards to career and personal goals will be presented.

10:30 A.M.–12:25 P.M.
Community Education: Applying the Science of Respiratory Care
10:30 A.M.–11:25 A.M.
The Choking Game: What Respiratory Therapists Need To Know About the Games Kids Are Dying To Play
Douglas E Masini EdD RRT-NPS AE-C FAARC, Elizabethton TN
Kids are playing asphyxial games, specifically the “choking game,” more frequently and dying more often than ever before. The presentation will discuss the magnitude of the problem and the epidemiology and variants of huffing, “choking games,” and advanced practice techniques that RTs can learn to prepare for these cases.

11:30 A.M.–12:25 P.M.
Alcohol Without Liquid: The Status of Legalized Inhalation of Ethyl Alcohol in the United States
Douglas E Masini EdD RRT-NPS AE-C FAARC
The presenter will look at the new and international trend of alcohol without liquid (AWOL) in the United States. The presentation will specifically address both the science and hype of AWOL and better prepare the RT to address the issues associated with this growing problem.

10:45 A.M.–11:15 A.M.
The Evolution of Respiratory Care: Part I: 1947–1967
David J Pierson MD FAARC, Seattle WA
In 1947, IPPB was introduced, patients with previously lethal poliomyelitis were being saved by artificial ventilation in iron lungs, and a group of physicians and other dedicated professionals involved in oxygen therapy and other respiratory-focused activities founded an organization that would eventually become the AARC. This 3-part lecture (30 minutes each morning) traces the history of respiratory care—the subject area, the Journal, and the profession—and the AARC, which in 2007 marks its 60th anniversary.

11:20 A.M.
Sleep Section Meeting
Tom Smalling MS RRT RPFT RPSGT/Chairing
Whether or not you are a member of the Sleep Section, you are welcome to attend. Your participation can make a difference in the future of your area of interest in the profession.

1:00 P.M.–1:50 P.M.
Chest Imaging: I Get the Black and White, but What Is That Gray Stuff?
Garry W Kauffman MPA RRT FAARC
Lancaster PA
This presentation is designed both to serve as a refresher for those who have had formal training as well as introduce those who haven’t had formal training in the interpretation of chest roentgenograms. The first half of the presentation is an overview of techniques and various types of roentgenologic procedures that the respiratory therapist will encounter on a regular basis. The second half consists of a series of case studies that engage the audience interactively to walk through the clinical case presentation and determine what abnormality is demonstrated on the films.

1:00 P.M.–1:50 P.M.
New Scoring Rules for Polysomnographers
Daniel L Herold RPSGT, Rochester MN
The Rechtschaffen-Kales (R and K) rules have been tried and true for years; however, the AASM has determined that some rules for scoring respiratory events, arousals, and periodic limb movements in sleep were variable.

1:00 P.M.–2:25 P.M.
Respiratory Care of the Obese Patient
1:00 P.M.–1:40 P.M.
Physiologic Effects of Obesity
Michael A Gentile RRT FAARC, Durham NC
Obesity has become an epidemic. Obesity is both an individual clinical condition and is increasingly viewed as a serious public health problem. This presentation will discuss the physiologic effects of obesity.

1:45 P.M.–2:25 P.M.
Management and Mechanical Ventilation of the Obese Patient
John D Davies MA RRT FAARC, Durham NC
Mechanical ventilation and managing the obese patient present several unique challenges. This presentation will review strategies and available literature regarding obesity in the ICU.

1:00 P.M.–2:35 P.M.
Manager versus Employee: Wants, Needs, and Wish List
1:00 P.M.–1:45 P.M.
What Your Manager Wants and Needs from You as an Employee
William J Malley MS RRT FAARC,
Pittsburgh PA
Managers want and need more than just knowledgeable therapists. Desirable employee and professional characteristics will be explored as well as methods to evaluate them.

1:50 P.M.–2:35 P.M.
What Your Employee Wants and Needs from You as a Manager
Jackie M Heisler PhD MPH RRT, Greensburg PA
The examination of job satisfaction among RTs, accommodations of these needs and improvement of retention issues will be explored. Compiled data on job satisfaction will be integrated into the lecture.

1:00 P.M.–3:50 P.M.
Mechanical Ventilation in Mass Casualty Scenarios
Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from VersaMed

1:00 P.M.–1:30 P.M.
Emergency Mass Critical Care
Lewis Rubinson MD PhD, Seattle WA
Review of surge strategies to provide adequate care to the greatest number of critically ill and injured victims of catastrophes will be presented. Emergency changes in the scope of critical care interventions, staffing, medical equipment, and treatment areas will be discussed.

1:35 P.M.–2:05 P.M.
Augmenting Positive-Pressure Ventilation Capacity
Richard D Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH
Methods for augmenting the numbers of ventilators available to the hospital in a mass casualty scenario will be reviewed. This includes use of manual ventilation, portable ventilators, and existing hospital reserves.

2:10 P.M.–2:40 P.M.
Augmenting Staff To Manage Large Numbers of Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Ray H Ritz RRT FAARC, Boston MA
Scenarios that will result in an overwhelming number of patients will not only exceed equipment inventories but will also exceed the number of respiratory therapists. Two solutions have been offered in this situation.

2:45 P.M.–3:15 P.M.
Oxygen Supplies During a Mass Casualty Situation
Ray H Ritz RRT FAARC
Oxygen systems at hospitals and logistics in mass casualty care will be discussed, as well as a review of other oxygen sources including cylinders and concentrators. How long will the current system last? How often is it filled? What are the issues regarding resupply?

3:20 P.M.–3:50 P.M.
Managing Information During a Mass Casualty Situation
Steve B Nelson MSc RRT FAARC
Overland Park KS
The importance of coordination and control during a mass casualty event will be reviewed, as well as the importance of tracking data and results.

1:00 P.M.–3:50 P.M.
Controversies in Respiratory Care
1:00 P.M.–1:30 P.M.
Only Registered Therapists Should Work in ICU
Pro: Donna Hamel RRT RCP FAARC, Durham NC
Con: Richard M Ford RRT FAARC, San Diego CA
This is a complicated issue. Due to the advances in technology, responsibility, and autonomy of today’s respiratory therapists, the educational level of the CRT may not prepare them for today’s ICUs. However, with the increasing shortages of RTs, it may not be an option to limit ICU care to only registered therapists. The objective of this session is to discuss these issues and possibly find an acceptable “middle” ground.

1:35 P.M.–2:05 P.M.
Inhaled Nitric Oxide Should Be Used Instead of Inhaled Flolan in the Critically Ill Adult
Pro: GW Hamilton RRT, St Louis MO
Con: Lisa Cracchiolo RRT, St Louis MO
The use of one inhaled pulmonary vasodilator over the other is, many times, simply a matter of physician personal preference. The debate over the use of inhaled nitric oxide vs. inhaled Flolan is a sensitive subject and has triggered some heated debates between physicians and therapists. These speakers will present opinions for the use of one therapy over another, citing research and personal clinical experience as the basis for their arguments.

2:10 P.M.–2:40 P.M.
Rapid Response Teams Improve Patient Outcomes
Pro: Charles G Durbin Jr MD FAARC, Charlottesville VA
Con: David J Pierson MD FAARC, Seattle WA
Rapid Response Teams will soon be a Joint Commission requirement, but do they really work? Do they really cut down on the number of respiratory and cardiac resuscitation codes? Are they worth the cost? Do they really improve patient outcomes? You decide.

2:45 P.M.–3:15 P.M.
Spirometry Should Be Used To Screen COPD
Pro: Barry J Make MD, Denver CO
Con: TBA
Opponents of spirometry screening for COPD suggest that the majority of people tested would have normal spirometry and that result may grant them a license to continue to smoke.

3:20 P.M.–3:50 P.M.
NIH ARDS Network PEEP/FiO2 Tables Provide the Best Evidence-Based Guide to Balancing PEEP and FiO2 Settings in Adults
Pro: Richard M Kallet MS RRT FAARC, San Francisco CA
Con: Richard D Branson MSc RRT FAARC
The NIH ARDS Network has proposed and studied a PEEP/FiO2 table to guide management of the adult patient with acute lung injury. The presenters will debate whether this approach is truly the best for all patients. The arguments will be based on cardiorespiratory physiology and the available medical literature.

1:00 P.M.–3:55 P.M.
Use of Today’s Technology To Improve Student Learning and Evaluation
1:00 P.M.–2:15 P.M.
Best Practices for Distance Education
Pat Munzer DHSc RRT, Topeka KS
The presenter will provide an overview of distance education, to include: the challenges and advantages of teaching online, how to create a community of online learners, qualities of a good online teacher, how a good online teacher can assist students and assessment of students in online discussions.

2:20 P.M.–3:05 P.M.
Techniques for Improving Student Learning
Rusty Taylor MEd RRT, Topeka KS
The presenter will demonstrate learning activities for distance education classes and ways in which faculty can develop teaching aids for online education.

3:10 P.M.–3:55 P.M.
Techniques for Improving Student Evaluation
Rusty Taylor MEd RRT
The presenter will discuss the importance of student self-evaluation and demonstrate the use of inter-rater reliability video and paperwork. Attendees will have access to this tool at the conclusion of session.

1:55 P.M.–4:45 P.M.
Sleep Apnea…Not the Only Disease that Occurs at Night
1:55 P.M.–2:25 P.M.
Restless Leg Syndrome
William C Kohler MD DABSM
Spring Hill FL
This lecture will discuss the impact of restless leg syndrome. The presenter will discuss etiology, identification under PSG, and treatment of restless leg syndrome.

2:30 P.M.–3:00 P.M.
Impact of Shift Work on Sleep Patterns
Daniel L Herold RPSGT, Rochester, MN
This lecture contains designed information on how to identify and manage shift work and its impact on natural circadian rhythms.

3:05 P.M.–3:35 P.M.
Exploring Pediatric Sleep Disorders
Anstella D Robinson MD, Stanford CA
This lecture will focus on the unique characteristics
of pediatric polysomnography vs. adult polysomnography. It will focus on medical conditions leading to sleep and treatment strategies for children suffering from sleep disordered breathing.

3:40 P.M.–4:10 P.M.
Parasomnias
Daniel L Herold RPSGT, Rochester, MN
A parasomnia is any sleep disorder such as sleep-walking, sleep sex, teeth grinding, night terrors, rhythmic movement disorder, REM behavior, restless leg syndrome, and somniloquy, characterized by partial arousals during sleep or during transitions between wakefulness and sleep. Participants will be able to determine when to stimulate a classic parasomnia event during record collection.

4:15 P.M.–4:45 P.M.
Insomnia
Anstella D Robinson MD
This lecture is designed to provide information on how to identify and manage the patient with insomnia.

2:00 P.M.–4:10 P.M.
Monitoring the Critically Ill Patient: Head to Toe
2:00 P.M.–2:40 P.M.
Capnography
Ira M Cheifetz MD FAARC, Durham NC
The use of capnography in critical care settings continues to increase. This presentation will review the various applications of capnography, including its use in optimizing mechanical ventilation.

2:45 P.M.–3:25 P.M.
Oxygen Delivery and Consumption
Michael R Anderson MD, Cleveland OH
An understanding of the complex pathophysiology of a critically ill patient is essential to optimal clinical management. This session will provide a comprehensive yet entertaining discussion on optimizing the balance between oxygen delivery and consumption.

3:30 P.M.–4:10 P.M.
Cerebral Oximetry
Michael R Anderson MD
Pulse oximetry has become a standard of care in the critical care setting. However, standard pulse oximetry does not provide the full story. A new approach involves the monitoring of cerebral oxygenation. This presentation will review the application of cerebral oximetry in the assessment of cardiac output in the critically ill patient.

4:20 P.M.
Neonatal-Pediatric Section Meeting
Michael Tracy BA RRT-NPS/Chairing
Whether or not you are a member of the Neonatal-Pediatric Section, you are welcome to attend. Your participation can make a difference in the future of your area of interest in the profession.

3:00 P.M.–3:55 P.M.
Wanted: Front-Line Emergency Department Respiratory Therapist. Wimps Need Not Apply
Sandra Abberton RRT, St Louis MO
A very special breed of respiratory therapist is needed when it comes to working in a large, urban Level I trauma center. Our therapists quickly and accurately assess patients, independently implement critical therapy, and work smoothly as part of a well-coordinated health care team. This presentation will discuss how therapists use their critical thinking skills to advocate for patients and give tips on earning the respect of the emergency specialists they work with. Scenarios from personal clinical practice will be reviewed.

3:50 P.M.–4:30 P.M.
2007 Legislative Impact on Respiratory Home Care
Joan A Kohorst MA RRT-NPS, St Charles MO
This presentation will review the challenges faced by providers of respiratory home care services. Discussion will include the impact of federal, state and local legislation, reimbursement compression, accreditation, and CMS standards on the attainment of quality home care outcomes.

4:35 P.M.
Home Care Section Meeting
Joan A Kohorst MA RRT-NPS/Chairing
Whether or not you are a member of the Home Care Section, you are welcome to attend. Your participation can make a difference in the future of your area of interest in the profession.

3:55 P.M.–4:35 P.M.
Exhaled Nitric Oxide: Clinical Application, Measurement and Interpretation
Marshall Dunning PhD MS RPFT, Milwaukee WI
The listener will gain an understanding of the physiologic and pathophysiologic basis for measuring exhaled nitric oxide (FENO); become familiar with the methodology of FENO measurements, e.g., online versus offline; be able to describe the clinical indications for FENO measurements; and be able to interpret the results of FENO and its application to the patient.

4:40 P.M.
Diagnostics Section Meeting
Charles McArthur RRT/Chairing
Whether or not you are a member of the Diagnostics Section, you are welcome to attend. Your participation can make a difference in the future of your area of interest in the profession.

4:00 P.M.–4:55 P.M.
From Sneakers to Skateboard Shoes: Optimizing Communication by Addressing Health Literacy
Julie A McDougal RRT MAE, Birmingham AL
Low literacy and health literacy are common and strongly linked to poor knowledge of disease condition, improper use of medication, and increased morbidity and mortality. This presentation will provide definition of terms, information on the prevalence and potential impact of low literacy and health literacy, and specific strategies to maximize the effectiveness of health communication.

4:00 P.M.–5:00 P.M.
The Broad Business of Respiratory Care from the Staff RT to the RT as CEO
Gene Gantt RRT, Livingston TN
The speaker will discuss the role of the RT from the business perspective in various settings, describe RTs from staff to management and the role they play, discuss the broad spectrum of opportunities for RTs in the business community, and discuss how the RT profession helps to prepare us for these opportunities.

» Next

• Welcome
• Saturday, Dec 1
• Sunday, Dec 2
• Monday, Dec 3
• Tuesday, Dec 4
• Breakfast Symposia
• New Horizons Symposium
• Asthma Educator Prep Course
• Mechanical Ventilation Workshop
• Site & Hotel Information
• Discounted Transportation/Tickets
• Registration and Fees
• Exhibitors