Respiratory Care 2009

7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

32nd National Competition
Sputum Bowl® Finals

Marriott Rivercenter

Test your respiratory care knowledge in a fun and challenging atmosphere. Special halftime entertainment. Complimentary beverages.

8:30 am – 9:20 am

25th Phil Kittredge Memorial Lecture

This lecture provides a critical and incisive evaluation of an aspect of clinical respiratory care of emerging or increasing importance.

Patient Safety, Quality of Care, and Knowledge Translation in the ICU

Dale M Needham MD PhD, Baltimore MD

The three components in this presentation’s title are the keys to moving beyond technical capability and current evidence to actual implementation of best practices and optimization of clinical outcomes in caring for critically ill patients.

9:30 am – 10:10 am

Caring for the Patient with Traumatic Brain Injury

Andrew Luks MD, Seattle WA

This lecture will explore current mechanical ventilation strategies in use when caring for the patient with traumatic brain injury. Attendees will gain understanding of the appropriate ventilatory strategies to employ to appropriately manage cerebral perfusion pressure, intra-cranial pressure and PtiO2 or PBrO2 as well as secretion clearance techniques that ensure patient safety.

9:30 am – 10:10 am

Cultural Competence in Health Care Saves Lives!

Robin Kidder RRT AE-C, St Louis MO

What exactly is the RTs role in cultural competence? This presentation will define and demonstrate how a culturally competent respiratory therapist can make a positive impact on patient safety and quality care.

9:30 am – 10:15 am

Interpretation of Adult Chest Radiographs

James K Stoller MD MS FAARC, Cleveland OH

The presenter will present a systematic approach to interpretation of plane chest films with numerous cases from adult ICU. This will review the eye search system used to evaluate the anatomy and identify common abnormalities seen in critical care, including ways in which suspected or documented pulmonary tuberculosis is important to respiratory therapists in their daily work.

9:30 am – 10:15 am

The 2009 AARC Human Resources Study

Bill Dubbs MEd RRT FAARC, Irving TX

Preliminary results of the 2009 AARC Human Resources study will be presented. This presentation will include data from the respiratory therapist, acute care hospital employers, and educational programs. Demographics and salary information for RTs plus supply and demand information will be reported from educational programs and acute care hospital employers.

9:30 am – 10:25 am

TB and the RT

David R Park MD, Seattle WA

When should patients be placed in respiratory isolation, and what is required to discontinue it? What happens if the patient needs to be transported off the unit? How are RTs involved in the diagnosis of TB? How can staff be protected? How should they be screened for TB infection, and what happens if the skin test is positive? This presentation describes the many ways in which suspected or documented pulmonary tuberculosis is important to respiratory therapists in their daily work.

9:30 am – 10:50 am

Neonatal-Pediatric Clinical Cases: An Interactive Approach

Ira M Cheifetz MD FAARC, Durham NC
Robert M DiBlasi RRT-NPS, Seattle WA

Infants and children present with very diverse illness and injuries. In this interactive audience response session, several patient cases will be presented from the physician and respiratory therapist perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on management decisions and technological challenges as well as their effects on outcome. After each case, time will be alloted for open discussions with the audience.

9:30 am – 11:00 am

Educator Academy: Supporting and Coaching RC Students

9:30 am – 10:05 am

Coaching Students for Improved RRT Credentialing

Kathy Rye EdD RRT, Russellville AR

Are you looking for a step-by-step coaching approach you can use to help students improve their performance on credentialing examinations? The purpose of this session is for educators to gain the necessary understanding, process, and tools to more effectively coach and motivate. Through the application of the coaching process, learners will be encouraged to take greater personal responsibility for their own performance improvement. The session will also expand on David Kolb’s Learning Cycle to incorporate the principle of “Commend, Recommend, Commend”, as well as provide strategies used by one educational program coaching students as they prepare to take their NBRC examinations.

10:10 am – 10:45 am

Supporting the Struggling RC Student

Lynda T Goodfellow EdD RRT FAARC, Atlanta GA

The presenter will identify campus resources that will help identify the “at risk” student. The presenter will determine the most appropriate resource to assist the respiratory care student. Issues to be addressed will include: financial support, academic counseling, peer tutoring, mentoring, personal counseling, writing centers, job/career placements, etc.

10:45 am – 11:00 am

Q & A: Sharing Lessons Learned

Lynda T Goodfellow EdD RRT FAARC and Kathy Rye EdD RRT

The two sessions will be followed by a Q & A and open microphone with attendees. Please feel free to come prepared to share your experiences with the audience.

9:30 am – 11:25 am

Respiratory Care Open Forum #9
Management: Nuts and Bolts To Do It Right—Part 1

Poster and oral presentations. Clinicians present the results of their scientific studies. Click Open Forum number for titles and authors presenting their findings.

9:30 am – 11:25 am

Respiratory Care Open Forum #10
Ventilator and Ventilators—Part 3

Poster and oral presentations. Clinicians present the results of their scientific studies. Click Open Forum number for titles and authors presenting their findings.

 

9:30 am – 11:55 am

How Do I…? Well, Let’s Ask the Experts

When managing a patient with acute lung injury, do you ever wonder what the experts would do? This is your chance to find out. For each of the 6 important aspects of management to be addressed in this symposium, a leading expert in the field of respiratory care will explain how he approaches this problem using both the available evidence and extensive personal experience.

9:30 am – 9:50 am

How Do I Decide When To Use Sedation?

William E Hurford MD, Cincinnati OH

Sedation can both help and hinder ventilator management, and recent data suggests that more sedation is not necessarily better for the patient. This presentation reviews the indications for using sedation in the ICU and offers practical advice to clinicians from both data and personal experience.

9:55 am – 10:15 am

How Do I Decide When To Use PEEP?

Dean R Hess PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA

Should PEEP be used in every ventilated patient? Is more PEEP better in acute lung injury? What benefits can result from the use of PEEP, and what is the downside? The speaker will address these questions using both data and personal experience.

10:20 am – 10:40 am

How Do I Recruit the Lung?

Robert M Kacmarek PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA

This presentation reviews the rationale for using recruitment maneuvers as part of the ventilator management of patients with acute lung injury. How to approach practical matters related to lung recruitment maneuvers will be addressed using both data and personal experience.

10:45 am – 11:05 am

How Do I Decide When To Use HFV?

Michael A Gentile RRT FAARC, Durham NC

High-frequency ventilation (HFV) is an available option for the ventilatory management of patients with acute lung injury. What are both the theoretical and practical advantages of this approach? The presenter will offer answers to these and other questions about HFV, using both data and personal experience.

11:10 am – 11:30 am

How Do I Set Tidal Volume?

Steve A Deem MD, Seattle WA

The appropriate tidal volume to use is a key aspect of setting the ventilator in patients with acute lung injury. The presenter will answer a series of common clinical questions related to tidal volume using both data and personal experience.

11:35 am – 11:55 am

How Do I Monitor My Patient During Mechanical Ventilation?

William E Hurford MD

Physiologic and other changes may occur quickly in patients with acute lung injury, and numerous options are available for monitoring such patients. How much monitoring is necessary, and how much is too much? Should it be invasive or noninvasive? This presentation will answer these and other common clinical questions related to patient monitoring during mechanical ventilation using both data and personal experience.

9:30 am – 11:55 am

Pulmonary Function Laboratory Accreditation

9:30 am – 10:15 am

Accreditation: Do We Need It?

Carl D Mottram RRT RPFT FAARC, Rochester MN

This lecture will discuss the pros and cons of pulmonary function lab accreditation. Examples of laboratories that did and did not meet accreditation requirements will be discussed.

10:20 am – 11:05 am

The Case for Technologist Credentialing

Susan B Blonshine RRT RPFT FAARC, Mason MI and Robert Shaw RRT, Overland Park KS

The lecture will present the rationale for establishing credentialed technologists as a minimum requirement for the highest levels of accreditation. A case will also be made for an accreditation program which requires additional elements beyond technologist credentialing to achieve acceptable test quality.

11:10 am – 11:55 am

Spirometry “Driver’s License”

Steve Nelson MS RRT FAARC, Irving TX and Paul L Enright MD, Tucson AZ

This lecture will present the progress of the “Driver’s License” program to promote high quality spirometry. The presenters will also present evidence supporting the need for credentialing of clinicians providing spirometric testing.

10:20 am - 11:35 am

Bronchoscopy and Beyond

10:20 am - 10:55 am

Development of a State-of-the-Art Bronchoscopy Service

Donna L Clayton RRT, St Louis MO

This presentation will describe the necessary steps to take when developing a bronchoscopy service in which respiratory care staff, equipment, and polices are able to exceed the needs of all customers and provide excellence in patient care.

11:00 am - 11:35 am

Lung Volume Reduction Surgery

Paul F Nuccio RRT FAARC, Boston MA

This presentation will summarize the physiologic rationale for performing lung volume reduction (LVR) in the emphysema patient, discuss current methodologies being used to accomplish the procedure and describe the benefits as well as limitations associated with bronchoscopic LVR approaches.

10:20 am – 12:15 pm

Continuing Challenges in Respiratory Home Care

10:20 am – 10:55 am

Designing a Competency Program for Respiratory Home Care

Susean L Nichols RRT, Long Beach CA

This presentation will describe what is required for a home care competency program and how to use the results to improve clinical outcomes while also satisfying accreditation requirements.

11:00 am – 11:35 am

The Latest on Medicare Policy for LTOT Coverage

Robert W McCoy RRT FAARC, Apple Valley MN

This presentation will review the most recent Medicare policies directly and indirectly affecting the provision of long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT). The impact of such policies on access to quality LTOT will be discussed.

11:40 am – 12:15 pm

The Role of Respiratory Home Care in Hospice

Susean L Nichols RRT

The role of respiratory therapists in hospice care is relatively new. This presentation will review the goals of providing palliative care and the importance of integrating these activities with the hospice staff.

10:30 am – 11:15 am

2015 and Beyond

Bill Dubbs MEd MHA RRT FAARC, Irving TX

This presentation will provide a summary of recommendations resulting from the AARC’s 2015 and Beyond 2nd conference held April 6-8, 2009 titled “Educating the Future Respiratory Therapist Workforce: Identifying the Options.”

10:30 am – 11:15 am

Patients Eligible for Pulmonary Rehabilitation: It’s More Than COPD!

Debra Koehl MS RRT-NPS AE-C, Indianapolis IN

Pulmonary rehabilitation is most closely associated with COPD patients. This lecture will discuss the role for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients affected with a chronic pulmonary disease other than COPD.

10:30 am – 11:25 am

Healthcare-Associated Pneumonia: The Latest!

David R Park MD, Seattle WA

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (no longer just hospital-acquired pneumonia) is one of the most important problems in medicine today, and has a major impact on respiratory care. This presentation reviews the different forms and contexts of HCAP and summarizes current standards for prevention, diagnosis and management.

11:00 am – 12:00 noon

Pediatric Pulmonary Puzzlers

Bruce K Rubin MD MEngr MBA FAARC, Richmond VA

Pediatric pulmonary puzzlers – can you answer Dr. Rubin’s questions? Learn from one of the world’s leading pediatric pulmonologists, while having fun at the same time.

11:10 am – 12:00 noon

Pro-Con Debate: Atelectasis During Mechanical Ventilation

Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC vs.
Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC

The concept of “permissive atelectasis” during mechanical ventilation has implications for both protecting and for injuring the lung and is thus highly controversial. In this session, outspoken advocates for two distinct viewpoints on this subject (yes, Dr. MacIntyre and Dr. MacIntyre) will engage in a spirited debate in an attempt to determine which of them is right.

11:20 am – 12:00 noon

Agencies Updates

Timothy R Myers RRT-NPS—AARC President
Michael T Amato—ARCF Chair
David L Bowton MD—CoARC Chair
Sherry L Barnhart RRT-NPS FAARC—NBRC President

The leadership of the AARC, ARCF, CoARC and NBRC will present the most updated information affecting the profession, research, accreditation, and credentialing. A must-attend session in your agenda!

11:30 am – 12:15 pm

The Hepatopulmonary Syndrome

James K Stoller MD MSc FAARC, Cleveland OH

End-stage liver disease is common in both acute-care and long-term settings, and respiratory care clinicians should be familiar with its effects on the lungs. This presentation reviews the physiologic effects of liver disease on pulmonary function and respiratory drives, and discusses complications.

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Exhaled Nitric Oxide—A Biomarker of Inflammation

Carl D Mottram RRT RPFT FAARC, Rochester MN

This lecture will describe the clinical utility of exhaled nitric oxide in identifying and treating of airway inflammation and as a tool in evaluating nasal abnormalities. Case studies will be presented, and available testing methodologies will be discussed.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Respiratory Care Development in Latin America

Gustavo Olguin CRT MHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina

This presentation will demonstrate firsthand how the AARC International Fellowship Program impacts the lives of those who are fortunate to participate. This speaker will discuss how much the International Fellows learn and what they have been able to do with that knowledge once they return home. Included will be a description of respiratory care as it is practiced in the various countries of South America.

1:00 pm - 2:35 pm

Transport Considerations in the Neonatal Patient

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

Failed Intubation: The Use of the LMA in the Term and Pre-term Infant

Clint Darby RRT-NPS EMT-B, Charlotte NC

Current success rates for endotracheal intubation in the newborn and neonate remain high. This session will review the need for alternative airway techniques for use when the newborn or neonate presents with a difficult airway. A presentation of the current status and usage of the laryngeal mask airway in this population will be given, with an emphasis on normal- to low-birth-weight patients.

1:50 pm – 2:35 pm

Potentially Life-Threatening Issues: Identification and Management

Clint Darby RRT-NPS EMT-B

People make mistakes—even highly trained transport specialists. More often than not, a mistake is made and nothing happens. Sometimes, a mistake is made and disaster happens. This session reviews a neonatal transport and identifies key “red flags” that can be used to identify potentially life-threatening issues that appear to be something entirely different. Included in the presentation is a review of congenital heart defects.

1:00 pm – 2:55 pm

Pulmonary Mechanics: Normal vs Abnormal

1:00 pm – 1:35 pm

Pulmonary Mechanics in the Healthy Lung

Marshall B Dunning III PhD MS RPFT, Milwaukee WI

This presentation will provide an overview of the mechanics of breathing in a normal, healthy lung. There will be discussion of both airway and alveolar pulmonary mechanics. 

1:40 pm – 2:15 pm

Pulmonary Mechanics in Ventilatory Impairment

Marshall B Dunning III PhD MS RPFT

This presentation will describe the changes in pulmonary mechanics in patients with ventilatory impairment. The speaker will differentiate between normal pressure-volume relationships and those of patients with ventilatory disorders and relate the manifestations of abnormal pulmonary mechanics to the patient’s symptoms. 

2:20 pm – 2:55 pm

Case Studies: Ventilatory Impairments

Carl D Mottram RRT RPFT FAARC, Rochester MN

This presentation will integrate the underlying physiology of pulmonary mechanics with the pathophysiology seen in ventilatory impairments in a case-based format.

1:00 pm – 2:55 pm

Geriatrics 2009

1:00 pm – 1:35 pm

Getting to the Heart of Aging

Helen M Sorenson MA RRT FAARC, San Antonio TX

The demographics concerning the impending population of older patients are compelling, and the need for therapists to be prepared in delivering geriatric care is great. This presentation will highlight some of the more important concepts that therapists need to be aware of when caring for their very elderly patients, including age-related pulmonary changes, changes in vital signs, communication issues, drug-drug interactions, and discharge planning.

1:40 pm – 2:15 pm

ICU Issues with Geriatrics

Paul A Selecky MD FAARC, Newport Beach CA

Elderly patients currently account for 42-52% of ICU admissions and for almost 60% of all ICU days. The management of critically ill elderly patients is complex, necessitating a clear understanding of the physiology of aging, comorbidity, functional and sensory deficits, and cognitive functioning. This presentation will review the physiologic changes that occur with aging, particularly as they apply to critically ill patients requiring mechanical ventilation, the outcome of elderly patients admitted to the ICU, and management issues of the older critically ill patient.

2:20 pm – 2:55 pm

Healthy Aging Strategies for Patients and Seasoned Therapists

Helen M Sorenson MA RRT FAARC

The AARC Manpower Survey confirms that the mean age of respiratory therapists across the country is edging closer to 60+. The mean age of respiratory care educators is also approaching retirement age. Unless and until we can “grow” more young educators, many need stay on the job. This presentation will provide helpful information for therapists to share with patients and/or take-home messages for themselves on how to stay healthier at an older age.

1:00 pm - 3:25 pm

Essential Skills for the Successful Leader

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm

The Business Case for Respiratory Care

Garry W Kauffman MPA RRT FAARC, Lancaster PA

Reviews the elements of a business case for the utilization of respiratory care services by respiratory therapists. The value of respiratory therapists will be described within the domains of quality, financial, and service.

1:50 pm – 2:35 pm

Increasing Productivity

Bill Dubbs MEd RRT FAARC, Irving TX

The need and value of using standardized productivity measures will be emphasized. By utilizing the framework of the AARC’s URM and Benchmarking products, the presenter will demonstrate the criticality of productivity measurement as a valuable management tool.

2:40 pm – 3:25 pm

Protocols: Git ’R Done!

Teresa A Volsko MHHS RRT FAARC, Youngstown OH

The presenter will describe the essential elements of a high-quality protocol, and reviews the process of developing and implementing such protocols. She also provides examples of protocols that have demonstrated value and describes the process by which resistance to their implementation was overcome.

1:00 pm – 4:15 pm

Evidence-Based Mechanical Ventilation in 2009

1:00 pm – 1:35 pm

Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Robert M Kacmarek PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA

This presentation considers the options available to the clinician, including volume- vs. pressure-targeted modes of ventilation, tidal volume, plateau pressure, FIO2, and PEEP. What options should be dictated by evidence, and what can be determined by clinician preference? Should the patient be relaxed or breathe actively, or does it matter? And what about alternative and adjunctive measures such as high-frequency ventilation and prone positioning?

1:40 pm – 2:15 pm

Discontinuing Ventilatory Support

Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC

What does the available evidence say about how to assess readiness for discontinuation of ventilator support? Is there a “best” way to manage patients who fail an initial weaning attempt?

2:20 pm – 2:55 pm

The Patient’s Experience: Synchrony and Comfort

Richard D Branson MS RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH

What is the evidence base supporting different strategies for assessing and optimizing patient-ventilator synchrony? Are some modes more comfortable for patients than others, and how should this be assessed at the bedside? Are some inspiratory wave forms and triggering options preferable to others?

3:00 pm – 3:35 pm

Mechanical Ventilation in Acute Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure

When managing acute respiratory failure complicating asthma or COPD, what aspects of ventilator support should be considered mandatory in 2009 and which are optional according to clinician preference?

3:40 pm – 4:15 pm

Mechanical Ventilation: Practical Application and Costs

What are the staffing and economic implications of the different options currently available for managing patients with acute respiratory failure? This presentation addresses the issues of clinician time, complexity, and institutional costs in relation to the strategies and adjunctive measures used for ventilator management.

1:00 pm – 4:15 pm

Ethical Dilemmas in End-of-Life Care

1:00 pm – 1:35 pm

End-of-Life Care: How To Talk to Families in the ICU Setting

Patsy D Treece MN RN, Seattle WA

Discussing end-of-life issues with families is truly an art. Optimal communication is essential from the initial contact with the family. This presentation will provide suggested approaches and potential pitfalls.

1:40 pm – 2:15 pm

Cultural Diversity: Every Family Is Different

Cheryl Hoerr RRT CPFT MBA FAARC, Rolla MO

Do culture and religion affect end-of-life discussions? Knowing cultural values and religious views may help the clinician to better individualize family discussions and understand family responses.

2:20 pm – 2:55 pm

Staff Attitudes Towards Removing Life Support

Michael A Gentile RRT FAARC, Durham NC

Not only do patients or families differ in their desires for end-of-life care for themselves or their families, but also staff attitudes differ towards removing life support. How do staff attitudes differ? How do respiratory therapists, physicians, and nurses vary in their approach to the withdrawal of life support? These questions and more will be discussed.

3:00 pm – 3:35 pm

How To Withdraw Life Support? Is There Really an Optimal Approach?

Patsy D Treece MN RN

Is there really an optimal approach? This simple question raises many potential answers and additional questions. Opinions, suggestions, and data will be presented.

3:40 pm – 4:15 pm

What Happens When Staff Disagree

Natan Noviski MD, Boston MA

The inherently difficult topic of end-of-life care becomes even more difficult when the bedside staff disagree. What issues prompt staff disagreement? How can staff conflict be resolved for the benefit of staff, family and patient? Suggestions to avoid and resolve conflict will be discussed.

1:30 pm – 2:55 pm

Traveling with Oxygen

1:30 pm – 2:10 pm

Portable Oxygen Therapy: Is There a Difference?

Joseph Lewarski RRT FAARC, North Ridgeville OH

This presentation will discuss the various devices used to provide ambulatory oxygen and their impact on functional exercise capacity. Patient preferences and barriers to adherence with long-term oxygen therapy will also be discussed.

2:15 pm – 2:55 pm

When Your COPD Patient Travels to Altitude

Andrew Luks MD, Seattle WA

Patients with COPD may experience serious complications when exposed to the hypoxia of high altitude. This presentation will review the effects of altitude exposure on gas exchange and other aspects of pulmonary function and provide insight into ways of evaluating patients prior to travel to altitude.

2:00 pm – 2:40 pm

Why and How: Venous Blood Gases, Cord Blood Gases, Pleural Fluid pH, and Methemoglobin

Lois A Rowland RRT-NPS RPFT, Richmond VA

This lecture will describe purpose, collection, handling, and results interpretation of VBG, cord BG, pleural pH, and MetHb specimens. Accrediting agency requirements for pleural pH and MetHb will also be detailed.

2:10 pm - 2:55 pm pm

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Cardiovascular Disease

Timothy J Albright RRT-NPS, Philadelphia PA

This presentation will focus on the high prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea, the risk of adverse cardiovascular events and mortality associated with obstructive sleep apnea, and the pathogenesis/pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnea.

2:40 pm – 3:20 pm

Legal Considerations in Patient Care—Role of the RT

Jonathan Fanaroff MD JD, Cleveland OH

What are the key focal points for medical documentation? What are the legal considerations in performing respiratory care procedures? When does risk management dictate practice? When does it seem like a reasonable medical approach, but then you are sorry? These medical-legal issues and others will be addressed from the perspective of the respiratory therapist.

2:45 pm – 3:10 pm

Diagnostic Section Membership Meeting

Melynn Wakeman RRT RPFT RPSGT, Section Chair/Presiding

3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

The Cost-Effectiveness of Respiratory Home Care: What Does the Literature Say?

Patrick J Dunne MEd RRT FAARC, Fullerton CA

This session will present a critical review of the recent scientific literature on the cost-effectiveness of respiratory home care. Examples of how the results can be used to justify cont- inued coverage will be provided.

3:00 pm – 3:45 pm

Identifying the Right Device for Inhaled Medication Delivery

Ruben D Restrepo MD RRT FAARC, San Antonio TX

This presentation will review the medication delivery devices currently available on the market and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Considerations such as particle deposition, cost, and patient technique will be discussed and are factors to take into consideration when selecting a device for use in your practice.

3:00 pm – 4:55 pm

RESPIRATORY CARE OPEN FORUM #11
Neonatal and Pediatric Care–Part 2

Poster and oral presentations. Clinicians present the results of their scientific studies. Click Open Forum number for titles and authors presenting their findings.

3:00 pm – 4:55 pm

RESPIRATORY CARE OPEN FORUM #12
Sleep; Pulmonary Rehab: Doing It Right

Poster and oral presentations. Clinicians present the results of their scientific studies. Click Open Forum number for titles and authors presenting their findings.

3:20 pm – 3:55 pm

Long-Term Care Section Membership Meeting

Gene Gantt RRT, Section Chair/Presiding

3:30 pm – 4:10 pm

RESPIRATORY CARE Journal Conference on RC Controversies

Richard D Branson MS RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH and Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC

As the summarizers at the recently held Respiratory Care Journal Conference on respiratory care controversies, Dr. MacIntyre and Mr. Branson well qualified to present the key elements of each the papers presented at the conference, as well as how they should affect the practice of respiratory therapists.

3:30 pm – 4:50 pm

Today’s Hospital Realities

3:30 pm – 4:05 pm

Hospital CEOs: What Are They Thinking?

Lynn LeBouef RRT, Tomball TX

With 39 years experience as a respiratory therapist, 13 years in hospital administration, and the last five years as a hospital president and CEO, Mr. LeBouef is well qualified to describe today’s hospital environment and its effects on respiratory care departments. Also, the impact of the economy and other forces shaping decisions in the “C” suite; workforce issues; competencies, and the impact of the proposed health care reform.

4:15 pm – 4:50 pm

The Impact of Quality Measures on Hospitals

Lynn LeBouef RRT

The presenter will discuss the evolving focus on quality with regards to both public information as well as the potential impact on reimbursement. Also explains the importance of evidence-based medicine, data collection, and the impact on outcomes.

3:30 pm – 4:55 pm

ICU Care

3:30 pm – 4:10 pm

Delirium in the ICU: Effecting Outcomes

Ulrich Schmidt MD, Boston MA

Delirium develops in ICU patients at an alarming rate. This presentation will discuss the signs, symptoms and outcomes for ICU patients and delirium.

4:15 pm – 4:55 pm

Sedation Techniques and Sedation Vacations

J Michael Jaeger MD PhD, Charlottesville VA

Critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation often experience discomfort and fear. Judicious use of analgesics and sedatives is appropriate; however, this may delay weaning and extubation. In this presentation, drugs and techniques used for sedation will be discussed. Application of sedation scores and sedation vacations will be described, and the evidence for their beneficial effect on care will be analyzed.

3:45 pm – 5:00 pm

Spice Up Your Respiratory Therapy Program

3:45 pm – 4:20 pm

Maximizing the Clinical Learning Experience: Developing a Clinical Internship Program

Kathy Rye EdD RRT, Russellville AR

This session will provide an overview of how to implement a successful clinical internship program. Specific areas to be addressed include: the goals of clinical internships, recruiting appropriate educational sites, the clinical learning contract, and the evaluation of clinical performance.

4:25 pm – 5:00 pm

Investing in Ourselves: A Respiratory Therapist Coaching/Mentoring Program

Kathy Rye EdD RRT

One assumption that may be a major factor in exodus of therapists from the workforce is the lack of support that new employees (both new graduates and new hires) receive as they adjust to the new work environment. Thus, we are developing a coaching/mentoring program in an effort to minimize the pressure of new graduates and/or new hires as they adjust to the work force. In this session, you will learn why every RT can be a coach and mentor, what the differences and similarities are between coaching and mentoring, how to prepare yourself for the role of coach or mentor, and what to include in the coaching/mentoring understanding.

3:50 pm – 4:30 pm

Home Care Section Membership Meeting

Robert B McCoy RRT FAARC, Section Chair/Presiding

4:00 pm – 4:40 pm

RTs Embracing Change

Janet Fantazia BSHS RRT AE-C, Modesto CA

The medical field is constantly in a state of change. Many clinicians attempt to battle or prevent the change. Instead we need to accept and embrace changes while looking at positive aspects.

4:00 pm – 4:40 pm

The Sounds of Stridor

Ellen S Deutsch MD, Wilmington DE

After review of the normal anatomy of the airway of infants and children, various upper airway anomalies will be reviewed. The presentation will include case studies with video and sounds of different presentations of stridor. Etiologies and potential treatment options will be discussed for each case.

4:15 pm – 5:20 pm

Five Things I Learned This Year About…Part II

Jump start each Congress day with a concentrated briefing on what’s new and important! These high-yield sessions will highlight key developments in the field, for thought leaders, researchers, and educators as well as for clinicians who work “in the trenches” of respiratory care. Each presentation, focused on a specific subject or practice area, will be given by a recognized expert in that area, who will list and summarize what he considers to be the most important developments and issues to have emerged during the last 12 to 18 months.

4:15 pm – 4:45 pm

Five Things I Learned This Year about Pediatric Respiratory Care

Ira M Cheifetz MD FAARC, Durham NC

This presentation brings the attendee up-to-date on key aspects of this rapidly evolving field, based on research results and other developments over the last 18 months.

4:50 pm – 5:20 pm

Five Things I Learned This Year about Asthma

Mark A Powers MD, Durham NC

This presentation brings the attendee up-to-date on key aspects of this rapidly evolving field, based on research results and other developments over the last 18 months.