Tuesday, November 8
8:30 am – 9:35 am
Fine-Tuning Your RC Writing Skills
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Creating and Using Case Studies: Practical Advice for Educators and Clinicians
William A French MA RRT, Kirtland OH
Working through case studies and patient situations is a crucial component in fostering critical thinking among respiratory care students and clinicians at all levels. However, these case studies are not always well crafted or utilized. This presentation will focus on how to collect appropriate information for the case study, write and format case studies to maximize their benefit, and incorporate case studies into formal education and informal discussion. Presenter will provide several examples and give direction on how to create a case study.
9:05 am – 9:35 am
Sharing Your Story in Writing: Practical Advice for Respiratory Care Professionals
William A French MA RRT
This is a presentation serving as a sequel to the 2010 International Congress in which presenter will address the critical issues of written communication in your clinical practice. This presentation will focus on types of writing in health care and provide practical tips on how to gain confidence with writing, how to get started on a writing project (especially how to write that dreaded first sentence), and how to overcome “writers block.”
8:30 am – 9:35 am
Patient Safety: Prevention and Reaction to Unexpected Events
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Skin Breakdown and Pressure Ulcers Related to Respiratory Care
Carl F Haas MLS RRT AE-C FAARC, Ann Arbor MI
Skin breakdown and pressure ulcers are of paramount concern for The Joint Commission. These wounds lead to costly infections, extended length of stay, and impact reimbursement if the condition is hospital acquired. Pressure ulcers related to nasal cannulas and noninvasive ventilation masks are daily occurrences in many institutions. While this is of significant concern, few organizations place much emphasis on wounds developed by the respiratory patient. The goal of this presentation will be to review the importance of skin integrity related to clinical respiratory care.
9:05 am – 9:35 am
Unplanned Extubations
Keith Lamb RRT, Newark DE
Unplanned extubations is probably the single most common quality metric measured in ICUs today and is an indicator that measures quality of care provided to the mechanically ventilated patient. Are there times when an unplanned extubation should be considered a good thing? Is there a national benchmark for unplanned extubations? The goal of this presentation is to discuss common causes, expectations of caregivers, and prevention strategies for unplanned extubations.
8:30 am – 9:40 am
All Grown Up: Transition of Care for “Pediatric” Diseases
8:30 am – 8:50 am
Growing Up with Cystic Fibrosis
Louis Boitano MS RRT, Seattle WA
There are approximately 30,000 children and adults with CF in the United States. Because of improved medical treatments, a person with CF can expect to have a median life expectancy into their late 30s, and children diagnosed with CF today may live much longer. The presenter will discuss the challenges of treating CF… not just in children, but also in people of all ages.
8:55 am – 9:15 am
Muscular Dystrophy and Other Neuromuscular Disorders
Louis Boitano MS RRT
The muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue that characterize muscular dystrophy can cause chronic respiratory failure. The goal of any treatment for MD is to control the symptoms of the disease and this presentation will focus on the types of respiratory support necessary for patients with MD and comorbid respiratory compromise with special emphasis on the use of non-invasive ventilation. The presenter will also discuss diagnostic tools that may improve the timeliness of therapyand facilitate optimal therapy support.
9:20 am – 9:40 am
Take Charge of My Asthma
Timothy R Myers RRT-NPS, Avon OH
For most people with asthma, the disease can be well controlled with minimal flare-ups. However, this takes a commitment to self educate and proper-self-manage strategies. Typically, there is a rather large gap between diagnosis and good control. The speaker will discuss the right time to take charge of the disease and the latest recommendations for controlling symptoms. Roles, responsibilities and expectations of the respiratory therapist will also be discussed.
8:30 am – 10:10 am
Pediatric Mechanical Ventilation: Beyond Traditional Modes
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Are Novel Modes Really Necessary?
Brian K Walsh MBA RRT, Dallas TX
Each ventilator has its unique mode. Do these novel approaches really make a difference? Are there outcome data? Why not limit our ventilatory strategies to the more traditional pressure control mode? This presentation will address these and other clinically relevant questions. The knowledge learned from this session may change your practice.
9:05 am – 9:35 am
APRV Is Just as Good as HFOV… or Is It?
Gregg Merritt RRT, Dallas TX
APRV or HFOV? Does it really matter? This presentation will provide an overview the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches to ventilate children with acute lung injury. Presenter will take a “deep dive” into each mode of ventilation, highlight similarities and differences, and discuss patient populations that may benefit from one, the other or both modes of ventilation. Pro’s and con’s will be discussed.
9:40 am – 10:10 am
High Frequency Ventilation: Just another Conventional Mode?
Brian K Walsh MBA RRT
High frequency ventilation has traditionally been described as a non-conventional approach. But, is this belief true today? High frequency ventilation is used every day in neonatal and pediatric critical care units across the world. This presentation will review the available data with attempts to convince the audience that HFV is no longer “unconventional” and should be considered a standard of care provided by all neonatal intensive care units.
8:30 am – 10:45 am
Respiratory Care Symposium
8:30 am – 9:00 am
The 5 Best Papers Published in RESPIRATORY CARE in 2011
Richard D Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Cincinnati OH
An overview of the 5 best original research papers published in RESPIRATORY CARE in 2011.
9:05 am – 9:35 am
The 5 Best Case Reports Published in RESPIRATOR CARE in 2011
Dean R Hess PhD RRT FAARC, Boston MA
An overview of the 5 best case reports published in RESPIRATORY CARE in 2011.
9:40 am – 10:10 am
PFT: Summary of the RESPIRATORY CARE Journal Conference
Gregg L Ruppel MEd RRT RPFT FAARC, St Louis MO
An overview of the RESPIRATORY CARE Journal Conference on pulmonary function testing.
10:15 am – 10:45 am
Care of the Chronically Ill: Summary of the RESPIRATORY CARE Journal Conference
Neil R MacIntyre MD FAARC, Durham NC
An overview of the Respiratory Care Journal Conference on care of the chronically ill.
8:30 am – 10:45 am
Train the Trainer—OSA Patient Workshop
8:30 am – 9:00 am
The Basics of Sleep for the PAP Provider
Kathryn Hansen CPC REEGT, Lexington KY
Sleep is a dynamic activity and not a passive, dormant part of our daily lives. Our brains are very active during sleep and cycle through five different phases of sleep throughout each night. The speaker will first review the normal parameters of sleep and sleep staging and then detail the impact of sleep dysfunction on sleep staging. The speaker will also discuss how these dysfunctions can affect daily functioning as well as physical and mental health. Proven protocols to diagnose sleep dysfunctions will be shared.
9:05 am – 9:35 am
Education to Motivational PAP Therapy
June Sorensen CRT SAE, Lexington KY
PAP adherence is the single most important aspect of successful treatment for OSA. The presenter will share with attendees strategies to “hook” the patient on this therapy. Attendees will learn how to use a PAP Plan of Care and when it’s appropriate to intervene with troubleshooting techniques to ensure success. Presenter will discuss the “divide and conquer” philosophy and how group dynamics affect adherence to PAP.
9:40 am – 10:10 am
Daily Habits that Affect Sleep and Adherence
Kathryn Hansen CPC REEGT
A good night’s sleep is an achievable goal for everyone. At what price, however, are patients willing to pay to enjoy restful sleep every night? Often it’s as simple as making lifestyle changes and committing one’s self to daily habits that facilitate deep and meaningful sleep. This presentation will identify daily activities that impact sleep quality and review the relationship between sleep quality and family activities. Presenter will also discuss the importance of understanding the role of circadian rhythms to promote sleep and reinforcement of appropriate sleep habits.
10:15 am – 10:45 am
Device and Interface Session
June Sorensen CRT SAE
Perhaps the single most important responsibility of any sleep specialist is the proper identification of a mask interface. With so many different options available on the market today, it is imperative that clinicians are aware of the different types of interfaces, advantages and disadvantages to each, and have the ability to tailor specific interfaces to the unique traits and needs of each patient. This presentation will offer strategies and techniques for proper interface fitting. Discussion will center on strategic planning to teach devices in groups and why it is important to teach patients about humidification. The three main reasons patients remove their interfaces during sleep will also be discussed.
8:30 am – 11:05 am
New Endeavors in Pulmonary Diagnostic Testing
8:30 am – 9:05 am
Demystifying VTG Measurement
James Sullivan RPFT, New York NY
Thoracic gas volume measurements are commonly used to represent functional residual capacity (FRC). Correct utilization of VTG can be useful in distinguishing between restrictive and obstructive lung diseases. This presentation describes the ins and outs of VTG patient instruction and maneuver corrections post-testing made simple.
9:10 am – 9:45 am
Challenges of Metabolic Testing for Nutritional Assessment in an ICU
Allen G Andrews MS RRT, Ann Arbor MI
While most presentations on indirect calorimetry concentrate on obtaining an acceptable steady state and interpretation of the results of the study, this presentation will examine how the interaction between the ventilator, the metabolic cart and the patient can significantly affect the outcome of the study. The speaker will briefly review a variety of metabolic carts and ventilators available on the market and discuss how technology choice combined with the patient’s clinical condition can alter study results. He will share his personal experience in using different metabolic carts with a variety of ventilators and ventilator modes to achieve reliable results.
9:50 am – 10:25 am
The Role of the Respiratory Therapist Using Indirect Calorimetry in Cancer Patients Undergoing Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
Jorge Rodriguez BsRC RRT, Houston TX
Intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion is a cancer treatment that administers heated chemotherapy agents directly to tumors in the peritoneal cavity. Due to the nature of this treatment, patient metabolism can change significantly afterwards and makes correct nutrition support crucial for treatment success. Indirect calorimetry can be used to assess patient caloric needs after treatment and determine substrate utilization during this hypermatabolic state. Attend this presentation to learn everything you need to know regarding indirect calorimetry and the oncology patient receiving intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
10:30 am – 11:05 am
Brachybronchs, EBUS and Navigational Bronchoscopies; the RCPs Role in the Cancer Fight
Bill Cohagen RRT FAARC, Phoenix AZ
The presentation will assist the audience in understanding the rationale and importance in utilizing brachybronchs, EBUS, and navigational Bronchoscopies in patients with cancer diagnoses and describe the expanding roles of the Respiratory Care Practitioner in provide this critical testing. It will also give insight to the tools used and basic interpretation of what is being seen and done as well as insight to the follow up care.
8:30 am – 11:10 am
Selected Topics in Adult Critical Care Transport
8:30 am – 9:20 am
“A” Stands for Airway: The ABCs of Critical Care Transport
Scott Prater RRT-NPS CPFT NREMT-P, Charlotte NC
Managing the airway of a critically ill patient during transport is one of the most important responsibilities of a respiratory therapist. In confined space, with limited resources, the respiratory therapist must be knowledgeable, a critical thinker, and confident of their responsibilities. This presentation will review key components of an effective airway assessment, and will discuss assessment findings that may predict difficult airway management. Rapid sequence intubation will be discussed, when and with whom it’s appropriate, as well as advantages and disadvantages.
9:25 am – 10:15 am
Management of the Difficult Airway
Allan Bulkley BSN CCRN CFRN NREMT-P, Charlotte NC
This presentation will review the most current literature pertaining to out-of-hospital airway management, will discuss challenges and common difficulties encountered when performing airway management in the out-of-hospital environment and discuss current trends in difficult airway management. Are you up-to-date with your airway management skills for the out-of-hospital patient? Attend this presentation to brush up your skills and learn all you’ll need to know.
10:20 am – 11:10 am
Acute Lung Injury/Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome—Can We Make a Difference in the Transport Environment?
Joe Hylton BSRT RRT-NPS NCEMT-B FAARC, Charlotte NC
It’s difficult enough to manage the ARDS patient in the secure confines of an intensive care unit. Now you’re expected to manage the patient during critical care transport. Is there a difference? Are there strategies to incorporate to make your life easier and provide enhanced care to the patient? This lecture will identify causes of lung injury, define acute lung injury (ALI)/adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and discuss pertinent research for treatment of ALI/ARDS. An emphasis will be placed on the role of positive-pressure ventilation for treatment of ALI/ARDS in the transport environment.
9:40 am – 11:35 am
Expanding Roles in Respiratory Care
9:40 am – 10:15 am
Respiratory Therapists on the Pain Team
Joan A Kohorst MA RRT-NPS, St Charles MO
Pain management is a multidisciplinary process. Patients have the right to expect that pain experienced during their hospitalization is addressed. In fact, The Joint Commission describes pain as the “fifth vital sign,” stating that inadequate pain control is unethical, clinically unsound and economically wasteful. Unfortunately, respiratory depression from the administration of pain medication is a leading cause of preventable death in hospitals. Post-op respiratory failure is the third most common patient safety incident in hospitals each year affecting more than 600,000 patients at a cost of $1.5 billion. This presentation will describe one health system’s decision to establish an expert panel to improve safety for patients receiving narcotics for pain management. Discussion will focus on the part played by respiratory therapists on the PCA/Pain management team, which includes researching “best practice”, revising/creating policies, implementing OSA screening for all admissions, establishing monitoring requirements, establishing assessment frequency and components and creating an algorithm to aid caregiver response to end-tidal CO2 monitor alarms.
10:20 am – 10:55 am
The Role of the Respiratory Therapist in Palliative Care
Cheryl Heffner RRT, Allentown PA
Respiratory therapists’ involvement on a palliative care team is essential. Using case-based scenarios in advanced neurological disorders, this session will demonstrate the role of respiratory therapists in symptom assessment, treatment, and patient/family education. Comparison between pediatric and adult interventions will be highlighted.
11:00 am – 11:35 am
Hospice Setting: A New Location for Respiratory Therapists
Anton Lukcevic MA RRT, Woodridge IL
Respiratory therapy is evolving from the traditional role of hospital therapist to nontraditional roles in multiple venues and care settings. Respiratory therapists working in hospice centers are at the epicenter of serving the patient’s physical and emotional needs. The differences between acute/critical care vs. hospice care are substantial. This lecture will describe respiratory care as an essential partner of the hospice team in fulfilling the patient and family’s medical and psychosocial needs.
9:45 am – 11:55 am
Management Boot Camp—Part II
9:40 am – 10:10 am
Benchmarking To Make a Difference
Stan Holland MS RRT, Harrisonburg VA
For new managers, access to tools and resources to assist them in their day-to-day responsibilities is significant. Understanding and interpreting those tools carries even more importance. This presentation will highlight the benefits of benchmarking programs, how they can be used, as well as advantages and disadvantages. Presenter will discuss the AARC benchmarking system and how managers can use the tool to better understand the performance of their RT department as well as identify opportunities to improve operations.
10:15 am – 10:45 am
Maintaining Morale in the Midst of Madness
Kenneth Thigpen RRT FAARC, Jackson MS
Poor morale is a cancer that spreads through departments and negatively influences every aspect of department operations. From quality of care to patient satisfaction, low morale drags everybody down with it. Today’s health care environment can suck the life out of just about anyone unless managers are intentional about effectively managing it. Attendees will learn basic strategies that help promote teamwork and communicate purpose before poor morale inflicts itself on your department.
10:50 am – 11:20 am
Do RTs Make a Difference?
Garry W Kauffman MPA FACHE RRT FAARC, Elizabethtown PA
Is your elevator speech prepared? The one where you’ve only got 30 seconds to communicate the value of your department when your hospital president hops on the elevator with you? This presentation will review an extensive list of peer-reviewed articles as well as unpublished anectodotes that demonstrate the value of respiratory therapists in various care venues. Additionally, the attendees will be challenged to implement one of the opportunities in their hospital to demonstrate and communicate the value of RTs. Attend this presentation and craft your elevator speech today!
11:25 am – 11:55 am
Engaging Your Staff in Performance Management
Scott Reistad RRT CPFT, Centura CO
“Performance? That’s my manager’s job.” This is the prevailing thought of most RTs working in hospitals today. Can this be changed? Can managers engage employees to the point of where they’re owners of department performance and not renters? This presentation will discuss strategies and tactics that can be used to fully engage staff in understanding performance, taking the lead to improve performance, and communicating the improvements to others in their hospital.
9:45 am – 12:00 noon
Old Strategies—New Implications on Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia
Sponsored by
9:45 am – 10:15 am
VAP Prevention and the Impact of the Bundle
Roger D Seheult MD, Banning CA
VAP prevention strategies continue to be a high priority for patients undergoing mechanical ventilation in the critical care setting. This presentation will review the more popular elements of the VAP bundle and provide attendees with insight into the published evidence supporting their use.
10:20 am – 10:50 am
Ventilator Equipment and Accessories’ Impact on VAP
Ruben D Restrepo MD RRT, San Antonio TX
Ventilator equipment and accessories, including circuits, humidifiers, suction systems and filters are all potential sources for bacterial colonization and further development of VAP. This presentation will review the currently accepted practices in selecting the best accessories to provide adequate humidification, secretion removal and circuit changes while protecting the patient from VAP.
10:55 am – 11:25 am
New Endotracheal Tube Designs and Materials to Prevent VAP
Marcos I Restrepo MD MSc, San Antonio TX
The need to use an endotracheal tube to provide mechanical ventilation introduces one of the highest risk factors for acquiring VAP. Aside from bypassing the normal protective function of airways, ET tubes are also associated with the formation of deadly biofilm. This presentation will evaluate the recent evidence of using newer materials to construct ET tubes that are supposedly safer and lower the likelihood of VAP.
11:30 am – 12:00 noon
Prevention of VAP and Its Implications on the Health Care System
Patrick J Dunne MEd RRT FAARC, Fullerton CA
VAP prevention is part of a much larger picture—a national strategy to improve patient safety and reduce iatrogenic harm and medical mistakes. As hospital reimbursement shifts to a pay-for-performance methodology, acute care hospitals will be expected to have in place a strong, vibrant VAP prevention program to protect patients receiving mechanical ventilation.
10:15 am – 11:55 am
Neonatal-Pediatrics: Thinking Outside the Box
10:15 am – 10:45 am
Enhancing the RT Scope of Practice
Kathleen M Deakins RRT-NPS, Cleveland OH
What is the RT scope of practice today? What should be the RT scope of practice in the future? This presentation will provide an overview of potential areas of expansion for neonatal-pediatric respiratory therapy responsibilities across a comprehensive continuum of care for neonates, infants, and children in the inpatient setting.
10:50 am – 11:20 am
Is Your Staff Competent for the Future?
Nancy Johnson RRT-NPS, Cleveland OH
Competence leads to proficiency. Proficiency leads to quality. With health care reform forthcoming and increasing scrutiny on quality outcomes, this presentation will provide an overview of the vital necessity in developing and deploying a comprehensive competency system for neonatal-pediatric RTs. Do you have a sound competency program in place in your pediatric department? If not, attend this presentation to find out how to develop one.
11:25 am – 11:55 am
Mission-based Scorecards for RTs
Timothy R Myers RRT-NPS, Avon OH
Federal and state regulatory bodies are taking a greater interest not only at the hospital level but also at the department level. Most all organizations monitor their performance against financial, operational, quality and community metrics via a dashboard or scorecard. How many departments adopt this same approach with their staff? How many managers monitor the global performance of their department against the mission, vision, and values of the organization? Should they? This presentation will provide insight on how a manager can create a department-based scorecard built on the goals of the hospital.
10:50 am – 11:25 am
Undiagnosed Sleep Apnea in the Preoperative Period: Risk Assessment and Monitoring
Charles G Durbin Jr MD FAARC, Charlottesville VA
This presentation will discuss the patient safety issues surrounding unrecognized sleep apnea in surgical patients. Is the problem as big as everyone suggests? Should more resources be allocated to identify and monitor these patients? The speaker, an anesthesiologist, will explain risk assessment models and the importance of intra-operative as well as post-operative monitoring to ensure successful patient outcomes.
Sponsored by:
10:50 am – 12:00 noon
Long-Term Oxygen Therapy—Transitioning to Future Practice
10:50 am – 11:10 am
Scientific Foundation for LTOT: Is the Evidence Still Solid
Brian W Carlin MD FAARC, Pittsburgh PA
How does the newest evidence for long-term oxygen therapy compare to the two landmark studies (BMRC and NOTT) published more than 30 years ago? This presentation will review the data of the BMRC and NOTT clinical trials and compare those findings with newer research, especially in the realm of supplemental oxygen during ambulation and sleep.
11:15 am – 11:35 am
Patient-centric Ambulatory LTOT: The Strengths and Limitations of Existing Technology
Robert W McCoy RRT FAARC, Apple Valley MN
Does 2 lpm equate to the same FiO2 on all devices? Are all concentrators created equal? Are FiO2 sacrifices made for improved portability? This presentation will discuss trade-offs that can and do take place with portable concentrators when balancing lighter weight and oxygen production capabilities. Presenter will highlight desired characteristics of an ideal ambulatory system.
11:40 am – 12:00 noon
Newer Emphasis on Proper Prescribing of LTOT—Why Is Change Needed?
Louis M Kaufman RRT-NPS AE-C FAARC, Germantown MD
For years, the prescribing of LTOT has been sub-optimal for several reasons and has contributed to sub-optimal clinical outcomes. This presentation will review those reasons and make recommendations for the proper prescribing of this life-saving therapy. Presenter will review the most current published evidence on LTOT and discuss evidence-based guidelines respiratory therapists can use when recommending this therapy to physicians.
11:15 am – 12:00 noon
Agencies Update
Karen J Stewart MS RRT FAARC—AARC President
Michael T Amato—ARCF Chair
Stephen P Mikles EdS RRT FAARC—CoARC President-Elect
Gregg L Ruppel RRT RPFT 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 – 12:00 noon
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Surgical Quality Program
George W Gaebler MS Ed RRT FAARC, Syracuse NY
The lecture will discuss value-added benefits of quality surgical programs for patients with known and undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. Presenter will share with attendees steps that should be taken to implement such a program in their own organization, including the identification of key interdisciplinary members that should be involved and critical pieces of equipment that are needed.
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Complications of Untreated Sleep Apnea
Robert Messenger RRT CPFT, Lakewood OH
This presentation will focus on the long-term sequelae resulting from untreated sleep apnea. Particular attention will be given to pathology that is mediated by the autonomic nervous system. Long-term outcomes, including hypertension, insulin resistance (metabolic syndrome), and cognitive dysfunction are discussed.
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
Endotracheal Suctioning: Benign Procedure or Proceed with Caution?
Doug Pursley MEd RRT, Springfield MO
This presentation will highlight and summarize the 2010 AARC Clinical Practice Guidelines for endotracheal suctioning. Emphasis will be placed on recommended pressures, use of shallow suctioning technique, catheter size, and correct methodology for setting and adjusting vacuum pressure. Pig lung videos will be utilized to demonstrate the effect of inadvertently applying excessive suction pressure to the lung.
1:00 pm – 2:10 pm
Bronchiolitis: New Therapeutic Advances or Just Fads?
1:00 pm – 1:20 pm
3% Saline and Other Creative Approaches
Walter L Williford RRT, Durham NC
Hypertonic saline has been used in the cystic fibrosis population, but what about bronchiolitis? This presentation will review the published data and provide a rationale for this therapy as well as other creative strategies for the management of this common illness. Attend this session and form your own opinion whether hypertonic saline is a real therapeutic option or just a fad.
1:25 pm – 1:45 pm
Noninvasive Support
Robert M DiBlasi RRT-NPS, Seattle WA
High-flow nasal cannula and noninvasive ventilation are being used with increasing frequency for various disease processes. Does the data justify the use of noninvasive support for infants with bronchiolitis? Attend this presentation, review the most current published evidence, and form your own opinions.
1:50 pm – 2:10 pm
Heliox
Gregg Merritt RRT, Dallas TX
Heliox has been used for asthmatics for many years, but what about bronchiolitis? Is there supportive data? The potential benefits and review of the most current published literature for the use of heliox in the care of infants with bronchiolitis will be reviewed. Attend this presentation and decide for yourself whether or not heliox is a viable treatment alternative for children with bronchiolitis.
1:00 pm – 2:40 pm
Cystic Fibrosis Mini-Symposium
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Lung Disease in the CF Patient
Andrew Colin MD, Miami FL
Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects 30,000 people in the United States. Though every CF patient carries the CF gene, symptoms can vary widely from patient to patient. The speaker will review recent discoveries about CF genes that influence the course of disease and provide insight into the causes of the wide variation in lung disease severity experienced by CF patients. The speaker will also discuss the implications of these discoveries for new therapeutic approaches to combat the increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms.
1:35 pm – 2:05 pm
Current Treatments for CF Airways Disease
Teresa A Volsko MHHS RRT FAARC, Youngstown OH
This presentation will cover the various therapies currently used to treat and prevent progressive loss of lung function. Discussion will include a brief review of airway clearance, mucolytic agents, airway wetting agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibiotics. The speaker will also emphasize the role of the RT in providing education regarding these therapies and airway clearance techniques.
2:10 pm – 2:40 pm
Novel Therapies in Development for CF
Andrew Colin MD
We all know of the existing pharmacologic and treatment options for CF, but what about new and future therapies? This presentation will cover therapies new to the CF treatment arsenal and new therapies in the pipeline for development. Presenter will review new inhaled antimicrobials, airway wetting agents, CFTR potentiators and correctors, and gene therapy.
1:00 pm – 2:45 pm
Protocols and Roles
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
Utilizing Protocols To Increase the Value of the Respiratory Therapist
Thomas R Lamphere RRT RPFT, Sellersville PA
While protocols have been in use for several decades, many RT departments have been unable to streamline their use across all services offered within their hospital. This presentation will review the latest literature on the value of protocols and give specific examples of how protocols can demonstrate the value of the RT department. It will also identify what the traditional barriers for implementation have been from other hospitals and how you can avoid the same pitfalls.
1:55 pm – 2:45 pm
New Roles for Respiratory Therapists—Part II
Thomas R Lamphere RRT RPFT
Traditional roles of RTs find them working in short-term acute care hospitals (STACH). In today’s economy, STACHs are facing severe economic challenges that sometimes result in the loss of RT positions. There are, however, other care venues that have been demonstrated to provide care in a less expensive manner and that have shown job growth for RTs in nontraditional roles. Attendees will leave this presentation with knowledge, intuition, and know-how on how to improve quality and the economics of their department by creating new roles and responsibilities for their staff. A can’t miss presentation for the manager needing to cut costs while maintaining quality through their people.
1:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Hospital and Home Care RTs: Partnering for a Better Future—Part II
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm
What Hospital RTs Need to Know About…Discharging a Patient on LTOT
Patrick J Dunne MEd RRT FAARC, Fullerton CA
Many RTs facilitate discharge for patients prescribed on LTOT, but do they really understand the clinical benefits, proper prescribing requirements, and current coverage guidelines for reimbursement? Are they familiar with he most current LTOT equipment on the market today? Are they aware of the role of the homecare RT in caring for patients on LTOT? This presentation will answer all of these questions and more. Attend this presentation and become an LTOT provider that achieves better outcomes for your patients.
1:35 pm – 2:05 pm
What Home Care RTs Need To Know About…The Growing Importance of Safe Patient Hand-Offs
David A Gourley MHA RRT FAARC, Pompton Plains, FL
Home care RTs have been asking for discharge hand-offs from the hospital-based RT for years. Their vision of “seamless care” from one level of care to another relies on it. But, do homecare RTs really know what an effective patient hand-off looks like? Do they know what information must be included? Do they really want to take this leap of faith and commit themselves to a new requirement? This presentation will review recent Joint Commission regulations on safe patient hand-offs between care providers; regardless of venue or care site. Presenter will also discuss the growing use of checklists in the health care setting and how we can benefit from “lessons learned” regarding checklists used in other industries.
2:10 pm – 2:40 pm
What Hospital RTs Need To Know About…The Variability between Ambulatory LTOT Systems
Robert W McCoy RRT FAARC, Apple Valley MN
Many RTs facilitate discharge for patients prescribed on LTOT, but do they really understand the difference between the oxygen delivery devices used in the hospital to qualify patients and the equipment used in the home? Do they understand the difference between continuous flow and intermittent flow portable oxygen systems? This presentation will answer these questions and offer ideas that hospital-based RTs may want to consider when electing what oxygen delivery device to use when qualifying the patient for LTOT. Presenter will also highlight the dangers of using lightweight portable systems with insufficient oxygen production capabilities.
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
What Home Care RTs Need To Know About…What Hospital RTs Expect from Their Respiratory Home Care Partners
Debra Koehl MS RRT-NPS, Indianapolis IN
Given the transformation underway in health care, hospital RTs will be transitioning into new roles and responsibilities. Hospitals will be held accountable for improved chronic disease management and care in the home to reduce avoidable readmissions. The desired preferences that DME companies offer routine lunches, and free CRCE inservices will soon be replaced by a commitment to invest more resources in the care of the patient. Presenter will share what types of collaboration between hospital and home care RTs might result in more successful, cost-effective outcomes.
1:00 pm – 3:40 pm
What’s New in Pulmonary Challenge Testing?
2:50 pm – 3:40 pm
Six Minute Walk Test—What Can Be Learned After Just Six Minutes?
Carl D Mottram RRT RPFT FAARC, Rochester MN
The 6MWT evaluates global and integrated responses of all systems involved during exercise, including the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems, systemic circulation, peripheral circulation, blood, neuromuscular units, and muscle metabolism. This presentation explores that rapid growth of this diagnostic assessment previously reserved for academic research and discusses the nuances related to the Six Minute Walk Test and how this information is used for clinical care.
1:55 pm – 2:45 pm
Inhaled Mannitol Test Administration
Tim Ballweg RRT CPFT AE-C, Madison WI
The presenter will describe how to conduct an inhaled mannitol bronchial challenge test. Specific areas to be addressed will include: Mannitol description, indications and clinical application, contraindications, equipment needed for testing, patient preparation, and testing methodology.
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
An Overview of Bronchoprovocation Testing
Cheryl A Hoerr MBA RRT CPFT FAARC, Rolla MO
The airways of those with asthma are sensitive to a number of inhaled particles and allergens. However, there are those patients who present with signs and symptoms of hyper-reactivity but have normal pulmonary function tests with no bronchodilator response. Bronchoprovocation testing is the only way to make a positive and objective diagnosis of asthma in those circumstances. This presentation will provide an overview of the direct and indirect airway challenges that are commonly used to diagnose asthma and review the advantages as well as the disadvantages of each testing methodology.
1:00 pm – 3:40 pm
Developing Your Department
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
An Effective Model for Implementing Evidence-based Practice and Research
Debbie Bennett RRT, St Louis MO
Evidence-based medicine is heralded as critical and essential to the effective and efficient delivery of quality health care in the United States. This presentation will describe a model that integrates evidence-based medicine and research methodology to improve clinical practice in respiratory care. It will describe how to methodically and logically look at the content of your existing or proposed policies and procedures. The presenter will employ a case study to demonstrate the process in a concrete, easy-to-understand manner.
1:55 pm – 2:45 pm
Nurturing Our Own: The Role of Preceptors in Staff Development
Curtis Kretschmer RRT, St Louis MO
Does your department employ a clinical preceptor? Should you? What are the benefits of having one? This presentation will discuss the vital role preceptors have in developing respiratory care practitioners for clinical and professional excellence. A model on how to develop a preceptor training program will be discussed. Attendees will leave with tools to ensure the on-going development of your preceptor staff.
2:50 pm – 3:40 pm
Make Lemonade: The Effect of Positivity in Your Workplace
Jasmine Peralta RRT, St Louis MO
Are you using the obstacles encountered during your workday in a positive manner? Are you able to turn problems into opportunities? This presentation will describe the effects of maintaining a positive, progressive thinking outlook and how it can improve patient care, productivity, and stress levels. The speaker will share personal experiences about how a positive attitude can lead to workplace performance improvement and increased job satisfaction for busy respiratory therapists.
1:35 pm – 3:50 pm
Lessons Learned from “The Biggest Loser®”: Diagnosis and Treatment of OSA
NBC and “The Biggest Loser” do not endorse the facts, advice or recommendations made or included in this conference. “The Biggest Loser” is a registered trademark and copyright of Reveille, LLC and NBC Studios, LLC. All rights reserved.
1:35 pm – 2:05 pm
Obesity, OSA and the Journey Back to Health
Brett Hoebel, Las Angeles CA,
Trainer on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser—Season 11”
This presentation will provide an overview of the co-morbidities associated with untreated OSA and obesity. The presenter will explore current concepts in the relationship between successful weight loss and good sleep. Attendees will leave the presentation with a better understanding of how the diagnosis and treatment of OSA can make aggressive weight loss safer.
2:10 pm – 2:40 pm
Obesity, OSA and the Journey Back to Health—Unique Challenges to CPAP Implementation at “The Biggest Loser Ranch”
Pam Minkley RRT RPSGT, Portland MI
Clinical Trainer & Consultant to NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”, Philips Respironics
This presentation will discuss the role of education and follow-up in achieving optimal CPAP compliance. Presenter will examine the unique environment and the programs used at “The Biggest Loser” ranch and identify the challenges to CPAP compliance for “The Biggest Loser” participants.
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
Taking “The Biggest Loser” Model to Clinical Operations
Dody Jordahl CRT, Agoura Hills CA
OSA Treatment Consultant to NBC’s “The Biggest Loser”, Nationwide Medical, Inc.
This presenter will discuss how the experiences at “The Biggest Loser” ranch can help front-line clinicians improve CPAP adherence in their patients. The speaker will identify business opportunities within the obese patient population.
3:20 pm – 3:50 pm
Hear from Some of “The Biggest Losers” Themselves
Ashley Johnston, BL9 Santa Rosa CA
Contestant & Finalist on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser—Season 9”
Hear personal stories about why “The Biggest Loser” cast members did not take action to get treatment for their OSA sooner and how education and follow-up at the ranch helped them achieve success. Get tips from the “patient” perspective.
1:55 pm – 2:45 pm
Interactive Case Studies in Respiratory Care
Doug Pursley MEd RRT, Springfield MO
This presentation will highlight case studies in oxygen therapy, chest radiography, mechanical ventilation, arterial blood gases, and an unusual case of upper airway obstruction. These case studies will be interactive. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the presentation by submitting responses via a handheld keypad.
2:15 pm – 3:10 pm
Children Are Just Small Adults… Or Are They?
2:15 pm – 2:40 pm
Adult Data Are Directly Applicable to Infants and Children
Matthew Davis RRT, Baltimore MD
Evidence from adult literature is often extrapolated to the neonatal and pediatric populations for a variety of clinical conditions. This approach is not only appropriate but necessary given the limited research conducted with neonatal and pediatric patients in the form of randomized, controlled trials. This presentation will argue this point by illustrating situations in which information learned from adult patients has clearly improved the care in the fields of neonatology and pediatrics.
2:45 pm – 3:10 pm
Adult Data Should NOT Be Extrapolated to Infants and Children
Cyndi White RRT-NPS AE-C FAARC, Cincinnati OH
Although neonatal and pediatric research evidence may be limited in comparison to the adult population, extrapolation of data is NOT appropriate. Children are not small adults. Physiology, pathophysiology, and development are all very different. Relying on clinical experience is safer and more effective than extrapolating data from a very different population. Examples from the medical literature that has contradicted the adult literature will be reviewed. Scenarios which truly exemplify infants and children as special populations and require their own practice considerations will be discussed.
2:45 pm – 5:00 pm
The How To’s of Pulmonary Rehabilitation
2:45 pm – 3:15 pm
How to Bill for Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Gerilynn Connors RRT FAACVPR, Falls Church VA
This presentation will review the changes implemented by CMS in 2010 concerning reimbursement and documentation for pulmonary rehabilitation programs. The speaker will detail the criteria that must be present for participant inclusion in a pulmonary rehab program and explain the importance of developing an individualized treatment plan. The speaker will also share tips for successfully navigating the Medicare and private pay systems to enhance program revenues.
3:20 pm – 3:50 pm
How To Justify Staffing for Your Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Trina M Limberg RRT, San Diego CA
How is productivity measured in a pulmonary rehab clinic? Does the AARC Uniform Reporting Manual address time standards for pulmonary rehab activities? The presenter will describe how to plan for proper patient-therapist ratios in a pulmonary rehab program, justify staffing levels, and discuss the use of multidisciplinary professionals in the most effective manner.
3:55 pm – 4:25 pm
How To Develop Your Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Trina M Limberg RRT, San Diego CA
This presentation will examine the challenges clinicians confront when attempting to develop a top-notch pulmonary rehabilitation program. The presenter will discuss how to conduct a needs assessment to create or expand a pulmonary rehabilitation program. Using this information, attendees will learn how to package this information in the form of a business plan to present to administrators in the C-suite. Step-by-step plans will be shared on how to develop a pulmonary rehabilitation program, create referrals, establish physician and customer loyalty, and operate in the “black.”
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
How To Prepare Your Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program for Certification
Debra Koehl MS RRT-NPS, Indianapolis IN
So you want to become a certified pulmonary rehabilitation program? Do you know what it entails? Is your hospital prepared for the commitment? This presentation will detail steps programs must take as they prepare for the certification process of their pulmonary rehabilitation program. Presenter will share experiences and lessons learned from going through the process.
2:50 pm – 3:30 pm
Quality Improvement: Indigenous Flux
Laura Denton BSRC RRT CPFT, Fort Worth TX
This presentation is directed for front-line staff and managers alike and will describe incremental process improvement strategies for quality improvement. The presenter will provide simple tools for data collection and describe the process of plan, do, study, act to achieve performance improvement that further demonstrates the value of the respiratory therapists.
2:50 pm – 4:30 pm
The Airway and Infection
2:50 pm – 3:30 pm
Selective Decontamination of the Digestive Tract To Prevent VAP
Richard H Kallet MS RRT FAARC, San Francisco CA
Selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) is a controversial infection-prevention strategy for critically ill patients. It involves the topical administration of prophylactic antibiotics to the gastrointestinal tract, as well as the concurrent use of intravenous antibiotics to treat incubating infections. Although this technique is popular in parts of Europe, it is not been widely adopted in the United States. This presentation will describe the technique, review the published evidence, and discuss the controversy surrounding the use of SDD.
3:35 pm – 4:15 pm
Oral Care and VAP—The Evidence
David M Wheeler RRT-NPS, Cleveland OH
Oral care for the prevention of VAP is simple and is often bundled with other prevention strategies, but does the evidence really support this idea? Is dental cleaning required of the ventilated patient? This presentation will review the evidence regarding oral care and the incidence of VAP. Presenter will detail the procedure and answer questions surrounding frequency and rinse solutions (peroxide, chlorahexadine, etc.).
4:20 pm – 5:00 pm
Special ET Tubes and VAP—Silver, Suction, and Special Cuffs
Mark S Siobal RRT, San Francisco CA
Endotracheal tubes have undergone whole scale changes in design over the last few years. Materials, cuffs and additional ports have been introduced. New cuff materials and designed portends reduce silent aspiration, silver coatings minimize colonization and biofilm, and suctioning above the cuff eliminates a source of contamination. Do these new advents provide real benefit or is it just marketing hype? Attend this presentation to find out!
3:15 pm – 4:40 pm
Special Issues in VAP Prevention
3:15 pm – 3:55 pm
The VAP Paradox: Are We Measuring the Right Things?
Roger D Seheult MD, Banning CA
In analyzing the outcomes of VAP clinical studies, a major issue is the paucity of outcome data showing any impact of VAP prevention efforts on patient mortality. This presentation will discuss this so-called “VAP Paradox” and offer insights into why the absence of mortality data might not necessarily be cause for concern.
4:00 pm – 4:40 pm
My Pediatric Patient Has VAP: Now What?
Sue Poynter MD, Cincinnati OH
Much focus has been given to preventing VAP in the adult world, but what about neonates and children? This presentation will review special considerations for the prevention and treatment of VAP in the NICU and PICU. Are inhaled antibiotics indicated? Should cuffed ET tubes be used? Answers to these questions as well as strategies to eliminate VAP will also be discussed.
3:20 pm – 4:55 pm
Advances in Teaching Mechanical Ventilation
3:20 pm – 4:05 pm
10 Aphorisms for Understanding Modes of Ventilation
Robert L Chatburn MHHS RRT-NPS FAARC, Cleveland OH
The presentation will explain the importance of distinguishing between names of modes and terms used to classify them. It will define the basic terms used to understand ventilator operation and describe the difference between spontaneous and mandatory breaths and why this distinction is important. Additionally, it will list the 6 basic targeting strategies that make possible all the current modes of ventilation and use a 3-level classification (control variable, breath sequence, and targeting scheme) to identify any named mode.
4:10 pm – 4:55 pm
Teaching the 10 Aphorisms Using Online Resources and Excel-Generated Simulations
Teresa A Volsko MHHS RRT FAARC, Youngstown OH
The presentation will assess student’s learning styles and describe how learning styles affect learner outcomes when using simulation in the classroom. It will identify strengths and weaknesses of current student resources for teaching mechanical ventilation and outline a curriculum for teaching mechanical ventilation. It will conclude with illustrations of the use of simple models of mechanical ventilators, built in Microsoft Excel, to teach the basics of volume and pressure control modes (models will be provided to audience).
3:35 pm – 4:15 pm
Challenges of Pediatric Long-term Care: The Role of the RT
Thomas J Cahill RRT, Erlanger KY
This presentation will discuss the various challenges of long-term care for the pediatric patient. Presenter will discuss strategies for the care of this complex patient population and advantages of creating a pediatric long-term care unit. Suggestions for optimizing a smooth transition to home for these chronically ill patients will also be offered.
3:45 pm – 4:25 pm
Use of Carbogen during Apnea Tests Is Proving To Be a Safer Method
Maria Madden RRT, Baltimore MD
This presentation will review the purpose and the updated guidelines of the apnea testing procedure as suggested by the American Academy of Neurology. The discussion will cover the risks of a traditional apnea testing and how the addition of carbogen alleviates many of them. The presentation will include a summary of how to administer carbogen and the detailed pre and post assessment process that is completed by the respiratory therapist.
3:45 pm – 4:35 pm
Health Care Disparities and Change Agency…Are You a Change Agent?
Robin Kidder RRT AE-C, St Louis MO
The presenter will describe health care disparities the—unfair or unequal treatment of our patients even when we do not realize it is occurring. National data will be reviewed along with an introduction of safety net systems available across the United States. Change agency will be described and the idea of a respiratory therapist being an active participant in implementing change will be explored.
4:25 pm – 5:00 pm
Pulmonary Management of the Burn Patient
Paul F Nuccio MS RRT FAARC, Boston MA
Care of the burn patient presents the health care professional with unique challenges that require a true multidisciplinary effort. The speaker will describe the importance of early identification of thermal injury to the airways. Five predictable clinical problems that are most common in patients with inhalation injury will be presented.
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
OSA in the Bariatric Population
Jessica Schweller RRT-RCP MS RN NP-C, Columbus OH
This presentation will discuss preoperative OSA screening for bariatric patients. Presenter will examine CPAP vs APAP in the bariatric population, compliance rates before surgery and how they correlate to post operative complications. A review of post operative recommendations to reduce the risk of complication/death will be included.
4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Sleep Disorders—What Are They?
Sheri Tooley BSRT RRT-NPS CPFT, Adams Center NY
More than 100 different disorders of sleeping and waking have been identified and involve many difficulties related to sleeping, including difficulty falling or staying asleep, falling asleep at inappropriate times, excessive total sleep time, or abnormal behaviors associated with sleep. This presentation will provide an overview of the types of sleep disorders most commonly encountered in the sleep clinic setting, including symptoms, testing based on specific sleep disorders, treatments and outcomes.