Saturday, November 5

8:30 am – 10:55 am

Opening Session

Sam P Giordano MBA RRT FAARC
AARC Executive Director/Presiding

8:30 am – 10:10 am

AARC Awards Ceremony

The ceremony recognizes the “doers” in the profession, from students to long established practitioners. Be there and applaud your peers. Today it’s them; tomorrow it may be you!

10:15 am – 10:55 am

Keynote Address

Grace Anne Dorney Koppel

COPD patient and wife of long-time news anchor Ted Koppel, Grace Anne Dorney Koppel will describe current and pending changes to the healthcare delivery system and its impact on patients. She’ll highlight the importance of the RT in addressing the unmet needs of the COPD patient, and close by challenging those in attendance to fight for COPD patients in all care settings.

8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sputum Bowl Preliminaries

Deborah J Hendrickson RRT/Presiding

Teams from the AARC State Societies compete in the preliminary competitions. The top four teams will advance to the Finals on Monday evening, Nov. 7 along with the Student Sputum Bowl finalists.

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11:00 am

Opening of Exhibit Hall

Karen J Stewart MS RRT FAARC/Presiding

The 2011 AARC President opens the Exhibit Hall. As the “Gold Standard” of all respiratory care meetings, the AARC Congress 2011 presents to you all the manufacturers and suppliers in the industry. The Exhibit Hall offers attendees an opportunity to make purchases right on the spot, often at special discounts. Don’t miss this great opportunity! The Exhibit Hall will be open from 11:00 am until 4:00 pm Saturday through Monday, Nov 5–7.

11:05 am – 11:45 am

Presenting an OPEN FORUM Abstract

Teresa A Volsko MHHS RRT FAARC, Youngstown OH

The purpose of this presentation is to introduce the neophyte research presenter to the customs, roles and experience of presenting an OPEN FORUM session. Included will be the stages of an OPEN FORUM presentation: setting up the poster, interacting with the moderators and OPEN FORUM attendees presenting at the podium and participating in moderated audience discussion of the research.

11:05 am – 11:50 am

Orientation for First-time Attendees

Presented by the AARC Program Committee

Are you a first-time attendee with unanswered questions about who to see, where to go, and what to expect from the meeting? If so, then attendance at this presentation is a MUST for you! This presentation provides first-time attendees with an overview of the entire AARC Congress and includes suggestions on how to maximize your time not only at the educational session, but also at the exhibits and peripheral activities as well.

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

The Financial Advantages of a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Fran Ahel RRT RCP AE-C, Euless TX

This presentation will demonstrate how pulmonary rehab programs can positively impact the financial bottom line for both hospitals and physician practices. A well-run PR program can generate increased referrals and contribute to patient loyalty to the organization. If you’re looking for another value-added service line to include in your organization’s portfolio, then look no further than pulmonary rehabilitation. Attend this lecture to identify which metrics should be included in any ROI business plan, how to measure them, and how they’ll impact your organization’s bottom line.

1:00 pm – 2:05 pm

CPR: New and Improved

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Review of New CPR Guidelines

Brian K Walsh MBA RRT, Dallas TX

Respiratory therapists always take great pride in knowing the “A” in the “ABCs” of cardiac resuscitation stands for “airway.” Is it a fallacy that the airway is most important? What role does ventilation play in the new AHA guidelines? Attend this lecture and learn what recent changes have taken place in the new AHA guidelines and how these changes will impact the respiratory therapist. The presenter will also review the evidence that supports the new changes to ventilation to compression ratios during CPR and the new “hands only” approach.

1:35 pm – 2:05 pm

Impact of Using a Threshold Impedance Device during Cardiac Resuscitation on Neurological Outcomes

Kenneth Thigpen RRT FAARC, Jackson MS

Evidence is strong in the pre-hospital settings that the impedance threshold device (ITD) improves cardiac output, thus enhancing the effectiveness of chest compressions, and improving survival rates. This presentation will discuss whether or not the evidence translates into the inpatient hospital environment. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the function, and physiology of how the device works, as well as the pros & cons of this technology. Presenter will also share the evidence-based grade the ITD received in the new AHA guidelines and their recommended role for the device during cardiac resuscitation.

1:00 pm – 2:05 pm

The Successful Sleep Center: Differentiating Your Product

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Central Sleep Apnea and Complex Sleep Apnea—Diagnosis and Treatment

Antonio Stigall MBA RRT RPSGT, Melbourne FL

Sleep centers don’t just treat patients with OSA. Understanding the complexity, diagnosis and treatment of central sleep apnea is a great way to differentiate your sleep center from your competitors. This presentation will discuss characteristics, causes, and diagnostic procedures to identify central sleep apnea and complex sleep apnea. Potential consequences of non-treatment and available surgical and non surgical treatment options will be reviewed. Sleep specialists are invited to attend this presentation and review diagnostic and treatment options for these two uncommon, yet significant sleep disorders.

1:35 pm – 2:05 pm

Identifying Best Practices of Successful Sleep Centers

Antonio Stigall MBA RRT RPSFT

This presentation will discuss best practices of successful sleep disorder centers. Key areas to be discussed will be the successful selection of a medical director and staff. Is it necessary for your sleep center to be accredited? What credentials should your sleep specialists carry? These questions, along with the understanding of state licensure, and CMS requirements will be discussed. Strategies for quality assurance and marketing your program to increase patient volume will also be explored.

1:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Looking into the Crystal Ball: What Does the Future Hold for Pediatric Respiratory Care?

Ira M Cheifetz MD FCCM, Durham NC and Michael R Anderson MD, Cleveland OH

The presenters have returned again this year to continue their discussion and debate of pertinent and controversial issues in the field of pediatric respiratory care. This session will focus on the anticipated future of this important field. Will definitive data be obtained to help clinicians manage pediatric acute lung injury? What new therapies for pediatric acute lung injury are on the horizon? What new problems will we face in the coming years? The presenters will attempt to answer these questions with input from the audience using an interactive response system.

1:00 pm – 2:25 pm

The RT as an Educator: Teaching in the Department and at the Bedside

1:00 pm – 1:40 pm

Making the Grade! Do You Have a Respiratory Department Clinical Educator?

Janet Fantazia RRT BSHS AE-C, Modesto CA

Presenter will explain the importance of having a respiratory care department clinical educator even in a tough economy. The presentation will explain how this position can aid with Joint Commission requirements, competency assessments and more. Need help with continuing education programs, orientation of new employees, in-service programs, or policy and procedure manuals? Attend this lecture and identify how clinical educators can aid with all of them. Most importantly, enhance the likelihood of securing this value-added position by learning how to construct a business plan to present to your hospital administrator.

1:45 pm – 2:25 pm

Do We Really Want Educated Patients?

Janet Fantazia RRT BSHS AE-C

In today’s environment of hospital readmissions, everyone wants educated patients, as they’re more likely to better care for themselves outside the hospital. Why is it then that hospitals are reluctant to invest more money in patient education? With limited resources, the presenter will review why everyone in the healthcare continuum is responsible to teach. Additionally, creative strategies to better educate patients will be discussed along with a step-by-step plan on how to create your own disease specific flipchart for RTs to teach from that offers standardization and consistency for patients.

1:00 pm – 2:55 pm

2011 Update on Non-Invasive Ventilation

1:00 pm – 1:25 pm

Choosing the Right Device: Dedicated Device versus All-in-One Ventilator

Robert M Kacmarek PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA

This presentation will describe the required characteristics that should be present with all equipment when delivering NIV. Benefits and limitations of various NIV devices will be illustrated with respect to set-up, triggering, work of breathing, patient comfort, and leak compensation. Is it necessary to purchase a dedicated NIV delivery system, or is a full-scale, all-in-one ventilator a suitable substitute? Attend this lecture to find out the answer!

1:30 pm – 1:55 pm

Choosing the Right Interface: Matching Mask and Patient

Stefano Nava MD, Pavia Italy

This presentation will describe the indications, contraindications, benefits and limitations of various interface options. Presenter will discuss newer mask designs aimed at improving patient tolerance as well as various circuit configurations to ensure adequate exhalation. What role if any does humidification play, and how important is it to deliver inhaled medication through the mask? What are the indications and benefits of full-face masks versus nasal masks? Do exhalation ports make a difference? These answers and much more will be revealed by this international NIV expert from Pavia, Italy.

2:00 pm – 2:25 pm

Choosing the Right Patient and the Right Time: Indications for NIV

Michelle Chatwin PhD, London United Kingdom

This presentation will review the indications and contraindications for NIV from physiologic disease states to specific patient characteristics. A systematic review of the initiation of NIV with respect to timing and venue will also be discussed. Attendees will leave this presentation with a clear understanding of the role that NIV has in different care settings; from early intervention in pre-hospital or emergency department, to ICU/Step-down. Most importantly, gain insight from this physician expert on the benefits and consequences of late-stage initiation due to extubation failure or end-of-life application.

2:30 pm – 2:55 pm

How to Set Up an Effective Non-Invasive Ventilation Program

John D Davies MA RRT FAARC, Durham NC

Do you know what your average ventilator stay is, self-extubation rates, and subsequent reintubation rates? Do you know your NIV patient volume and billable days? What about NIV volume as a percent of ventilator volume? This presentation will discuss the importance of these metrics in relation to the established need for an NIV program in your department. Identify the required elements of successful NIV programs as well as what steps need to be taken for a department to achieve appropriate and standardized service.

1:00 pm – 3:10 pm

Resuscitating Respiratory Services—Data-Driven Best Practice

1:00 pm – 1:40 pm

I’m in the 25th Percentile—Now What?

Richard M Ford RRT FAARC, San Diego CA

All too often the RC manager is made aware that corporate consultants have utilized benchmarking to determine a budget reduction target. The presenter will provide an overview of benchmarking, identification of metrics, and differences between AARC and commercial products. Both managers and staff will learn best practices that can improve their benchmark ranking and justify resources needed to provide safe and effective care.

1:45 pm – 2:25 pm

What Are Your Department’s Vital Signs?

Stan Holland MS RRT, Harrisonburg VA

To thrive in challenging times, department managers need to assess how they stack up and apply a data-driven approach to assess operational performance and identify opportunities for improvement. This presentation will provide real life applications of AARC benchmarking. Several successful performance improvement methods and case studies will be presented.

2:30 pm – 3:10 pm

How Many RCPs Are Needed—Getting It Right

Richard M Ford RRT FAARC

Managers and respiratory care practitioners need to be well-equipped to define and justify the resources needed to support quality care and minimize risk of harm. There is, perhaps, no greater challenge in managing respiratory care than ensuring there is enough staff to do the right things right. This presentation will place you in the CEO’s office with a mandate to reduce staff. Find out how to apply your data in the C-suite.

1:00 pm – 4:20 pm

Obligations of Being a Professional: The Student Transition from Classroom to Clinical Practice

1:00 pm – 1:40 pm

Becoming a Professional

Toni L Rodriguez EdD RRT, Phoenix AZ

This lecture provides an overview of the profession of respiratory care to include its evolution, role and value. Emphasis will be placed on the characteristics and traits of a professional and the critical importance of being involved and maintaining professional membership.

1:45 pm – 2:25 pm

Getting Credentialed: Part I—the Written Exams

Bill Galvin MSEd RRT CPFT AE-C FAARC, Gwynedd Valley PA

The presentation will address the factors that lead to success in the examination process. It will cover preparatory issues—what you will experience on site—as well as test-taking strategies and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the written component of the NBRC credentialing process. Attendees will also learn that there is a distinct difference between becoming credentialed and becoming licensed.

2:30 pm – 3:10 pm

Getting Credentialed: Part II—the Clinical Simulation Exam

Bill Galvin MSEd RRT CPFT AE-C FAARC

The presentation will be a sequel to the previous presentation and will address the factors that make for success on the Clinical Simulation Examination. It will cover such issues as exam content, structure, and unique strategies for progressing through a branching logic type of exam. Attendees will also learn that there is a distinct difference between becoming credentialed and becoming licensed.

3:15 pm – 3:45 pm

Getting the Job

Colleen L Schabacker RRT FAARC, Cookeville TN

This presentation will provide an overview of the job selection process to include the resume and the interview process. This presentation will provide attendees with tips on how to construct a professional resume, how and where to include key “buzz” words, and the pitfalls to avoid in both the creation of a resume and the interview itself. You will learn how to secure meaningful and satisfying employment in a difficult job market by attending this lecture.

3:50 pm – 4:20 pm

Continuing Your Education

Lynda T Goodfellow EdD RRT FAARC, Atlanta GA

This presentation will provide an overview of the continuing education needs and opportunities after completion of your RC education. Emphasis will be placed on lifelong learning and the need to continue to enhance formal education as well as professional education.

1:35 pm – 2:40 pm

COPD and Pulmonary Rehabilitation: The Year in Review

1:35 pm – 2:05 pm

COPD: The Year in Review

Brian W Carlin MD FAARC, Pittsburgh PA

This presentation will be a discussion of the top five research papers published in the area of COPD in the past year.

2:10 pm – 2:40 pm

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: The Year in Review

Gerilynn Connors RRT FAACVPR, Falls Church VA

This presentation will be a discussion of the top five research papers published in the field of pulmonary rehabilitation in the past year.

2:10 pm – 3:05 pm

Treatment of the Sleep Apnea Patient: An Inpatient Perspective

John Basile RRT, Hayward CA

All hospitals care for patients who suffer from sleep apnea. But, does your hospital have a program in place to standardize treatment to these patients? This presentation will be a discussion of the indications and need for a program. Sample policies and procedures as well as protocols will be offered for consideration. Discussion will also be had in identifying key performance metrics and other CQI/PI initiatives. Advantages will also be highlighted on how such a program can feed a hospital-based sleep lab.

2:10 pm – 4:20 pm

Quality Assurance & Pulmonary Function

2:10 pm – 2:50 pm

Quality Assurance in the Pulmonary Lab

Cheryl A Hoerr MBA RRT CPFT FAARC, Rolla MO

The speaker will outline the differences between Quality Control and Quality Assurance and give examples of each. There will be a review of ATS standards for testing and methods that can be used to ensure accurate, reproducible data. The speaker will also discuss the importance of feedback loop in improving PFT lab quality.

2:55 pm – 3:35 pm

Quality Assurance for Pulmonary Function Testing Equipment

James Sullivan RPFT, New York NY

The key to managing and treating chronic respiratory diseases is initially achieved by establishing an accurate diagnosis, and then subsequent monitoring and assessment. With respiratory disease, the pulmonary diagnostic lab is the key. This lecture will go over current best practices methodology of assessing and improving equipment and technologist performance.

3:40 pm – 4:20 pm

Competency Assessments for the Pulmonary Lab

James Sullivan RPFT

Pulmonary function laboratories are an integral part of most respiratory therapy departments and often operate diffently and independently from the main RT department. This third lecture in the series discusses ways to ensure highly skilled staffing in the PFT lab. Is a specialty credential from the NBRC enough to ensure competency? Is there a need for competency assessment similar to the therapists that staff the RT department? This presentation presents an argument for requiring ongoing skills assessment for PFT staff and offers a blueprint for such a program.

2:30 pm – 4:10 pm

Long Term Care: 2011 and Beyond

2:30 pm – 3:00 pm

Altering the Trajectories of Cost, Care and Outcomes for Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation

Gene Gantt RRT, Livingston TN

Current projections for the number of patients undergoing prolonged mechanical ventilation indicates that costs of care and resources are no longer sustainable. These projections will require that long-term care therapists will need to find methods to alter cost trajectories through innovative strategies. Attendees will gain insight on how to address these issues, not just in their own work environment, but across the continuum of care.

3:05 pm – 3:35 pm

Ambulation of the Long Term Ventilated Patient—Difficult But Well Worth the Effort

Max Eskelson MS RRT, Salt Lake City, UT

Evidence clearly supports the benefits of ambulating patients on mechanical ventilation. This presentation will address the myths and common barriers that prevent the practice of ambulating ventilator patients, and provide the context for implementing this important rehabilitative practice.

3:40 pm – 4:10 pm

Health Care Sustainability—The Impact of Post-Acute Settings

Susan P Smith RN MSN DHA, Washington DC

The presenter will discuss the concept of the Iron Triangle and the impact on sustainability on the post-acute care needs of patients requiring specialized continuing care following discharge. She will also describe the differing levels of post-acute care discharge options for patients and the important role for the long-term acute-care setting in the new US health care delivery system.

2:30 pm – 4:25 pm

Pediatric Respiratory Care: How Do I?

2:30 pm – 2:55 pm

How Do I Manage ARDS?

Heidi Dalton MD, Phoenix AZ

In a small subset of critically ill pediatric patients, the management of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome patient requires significant time and effort by bedside respiratory therapists. This presentation will discuss various strategies to manage pediatric ARDS. Available data will be presented along with a proposed algorithm for the management of this very challenging condition.

3:00 pm – 3:25 pm

How Do I Manage Life-Threatening Asthma?

Bruce K Rubin MD MEngr MBA FAARC, Richmond VA

Life-threatening asthma requires prompt and aggressive management to help ensure a positive outcome. An approach to the management of this complex condition varies between ICUs and often within an institution. This presentation will provide an overview to the various strategies to manage the child with status asthmaticus. The data will be presented along with a proposed algorithm for the management of this high-risk condition.

3:30 pm – 3:55 pm

How Do I Manage Sepsis?

Michael R Anderson MD, Cleveland OH

Despite international sepsis management campaigns, the mortality from sepsis remains excessive. Prompt and aggressive management are essential for a positive outcome. This presentation will provide an overview to the various strategies to manage the pediatric sepsis patient. A comprehensive approach to these complex patients will be discussed, including a review of the published sepsis guidelines.

4:00 pm – 4:25 pm

How Do I Choose the “Best” Ventilator Mode?

Robert L Chatburn MHHS RRT-NPS FAARC, Cleveland OH

This presentation will provide an overview of the various modes available to ventilate infants and children. Are there true advantages of one mode over another or is it all marketing propaganda? A review of the available literature will be reviewed in an attempt to answer the question: Does the mode really matter?

2:45 pm – 3:15 pm

With Age Comes Wisdom, But Sometimes ALS Comes Too!

De De Gardner MSHP RRT FAARC, San Antonio TX

The incidence of both acute and chronic diseases increases with age. Between 1977 and 1986, the mortality rate among men aged 85 and older with ALS increased 328%. With overall aging of the population, therapists are more likely to see ALS patients in their hospitals. This presentation will detail the interdisciplinary perspective of ALS care to include: diagnosis, monitoring, and new therapeutic interventions.

3:00 pm – 4:55 pm

Preventing ARDS: Tidal Volume and Beyond

3:00 pm – 3:25 pm

Lung Protective Ventilation—The Importance of Tidal Volume

Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC

Should all patients be ventilated at 6cc/kg? Where does that number come from? This presentation will discuss the role tidal volume and plateau pressures have on VILI. A detailed review will also be conducted that evaluates the stress and strain that this places on the lung. Presenter will discuss the role of pressure ventilation versus volume ventilation in causing VILI and whether or not one delivery type has more advantages than the other.

3:30 pm – 3:55 pm

Lung Protective Ventilation—The Importance of PEEP

Dean R Hess PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA

This presentation will discuss the role of PEEP in preventing VILI. A detailed review of high and low PEEP strategies will be evaluated and the relationships each have in contributing to and protecting against VILI.

4:00 pm – 4:25 pm

Bad Blood—Where Did We Go Wrong?

Jay Johannigman MD, Cincinnati OH

Dr. Johannigman will trace the history of blood transfusion, component therapy and current practices that guide the care of blood transfusion for the trauma patient undergoing massive transfusion. Particular attention will be directed to presenting an evidence-based review of significant changes made in current transfusion practices.

4:30 pm – 4:55 pm

Lung Protection: Fluid Therapy—Wet or Dry?

John J Marini MD, St Paul MN

The administration of supplemental IV fluids to patients with ALI/ARDS remains controversial. Are “dry lungs” really “happy lungs?” This presentation will discuss the use of IV fluids for maintaining blood pressure on the development of VILI; review the available clinical trial evidence.

3:10 pm – 4:15 pm

Sleep Disorders & Treatment Strategies

3:10 pm – 3:40 pm

Update on Treatment of Insomnia

James P Shaffer MD, Melbourne FL

There are many forms of insomnia. Do you know what they all are? This presentation will review defining features of the most common causes of insomnia, and pharmacologic treatments. Beyond pharmacologic treatments however, the speaker will also discuss behavioral and cognitive methods for treating the patient who can’t sleep.

3:45 pm – 4:15 pm

Common Pitfalls of CPAP Therapy

James P Shaffer MD

This presentation will discuss indications for nocturnal positive airway pressure. The speaker will also review the most common reasons for CPAP failure as well as the most recent advances in noninvasive ventilation that may increase adherence to this “gold standard” for treatment. Presenter will highlight and discuss the AARC resource; “The Clinician’s Guide to PAP Adherence.”

3:20 pm – 4:05 pm

Pulmonary Management of the Spinal Cord Injury Patient

Rebecca Wills CRT CRT-NPS, Lincoln NE

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, there are approximately 12,000 new spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the U.S. each year. Respiratory diseases are the #1 cause of death and the 3rd most common cause of re-hospitalization following a spinal cord injury. This lecture will identify the four primary pulmonary impairments of a spinal cord injury; demonstrate the role of the respiratory therapist in the prevention and/or treatment of these impairments, and explore the role of the respiratory therapist and the interdisciplinary team in promoting self-advocacy and lifetime health management for individuals with a spinal cord injury.

3:20 pm – 4:10 pm

Work Culture and Staff Performance

Jan Thalman MS RRT FAARC, Durham NC

Measuring work force satisfaction and engagement will identify areas for improvement in an organizational work culture. Leadership action plans to address improvement in work culture can be directly linked to staff performance. The success of a performance evaluation process and staff development can be further aligned with individual and supervisory accountability, thus leading to a high-performing department. Attendees will leave this presentation with step-by-step instructions on how to create, implement and follow through on leadership action plans for your entire management team. Unhappy with the satisfaction, engagement, or performance of your team? Then this is a presentation you can’t miss!

4:15 pm – 4:45 pm

The RT’s Role in Therapeutic Hypothermia

Keith Lamb RRT, Newark DE

Cooling patients after cardiac arrest has shown promise in improving survival and neurologic function outcomes. This presentation will provide an overview of therapeutic hypothermia, including the role of the respiratory therapist. The impact on gas exchange and ventilator/airway management will also be discussed.

4:15 pm – 5:00 pm

Reducing Hospital Readmissions: Evidence and Conjecture

Cheryl A Hoerr MBA RRT CPFT FAARC, Rolla MO

Presenter will share with the audience the data regarding readmissions to acute care hospitals and the financial impact avoidable readmissions have on the hospital’s bottom line. Proven strategies and action plans will also be discussed on creating untraditional roles for the RT to help solve this problem. Increase the visibility of your department within the hospital and prove your value to those working in the C-suite by attending this lecture.

4:15 pm – 5:00 pm

Long-Term Care Section Membership Meeting

Gene Gantt RRT/Presiding

Section members meet to determine their needs and priorities, as well as how to use AARC resources to accomplish them. All Congress attendees, including section non-members are invited to attend and participate.

4:20 pm – 4:50 pm

Models for End-of-Life Care in Chronic Neuromuscular Respiratory Failure

Lee Guion MA RRT, San Francisco CA

This presentation will examine common end-of-life scenarios in ALS, including respiratory failure and palliative sedation, terminal weaning from mechanical ventilation, and acute onset of respiratory distress failure. There will be a brief review of new CMS guidelines for hospice referral. The role of the RCP in end-of-life care will also be discussed, as well as attitudes toward assisting in terminal weaning.

4:20 pm – 5:00 pm

Patient Education: Obstacles to Teaching…Barriers to Learning

Bill Galvin MSEd RRT CPFT AE-C FAARC, Gwynedd Valley PA

There should be little doubt that patient education is of central importance in the care and management of our pulmonary patients. The respiratory therapist is the non-physician expert at the bedside and the obvious person to assume this role. This presentation is designed to stress the criticality of patient education as well as identify the obstacles to teaching and the barriers to learning. After attending this session, attendees will be able to: appreciate the role of the RT as a primary patient educator, identify commonly cited barriers to teaching patients about their pulmonary condition, and understand the factors interfering with the patient’s ability to learn.

American Association for Respiratory Care

AARC Congress 2011