Transform Respiratory Treatments into THERAPY

3 Steps of 3 to 
Transform Respiratory Treatments into THERAPY -

1. Assessment of:

+ right therapy for the 
+ right indications at the
+ right frequency.

2. Patient instruction to optimize the delivery of the therapy:
+ Optimize breathing pattern & position for specific therapy.
+ Optimize cough & secretion clearance for patient's pathology.
+ Optimize between therapy activities to improve outcomes.

 
3. Patient therapeutic instruction to optimize respiratory education:
+ Basic understanding and pathophysiology of the underlying problem.
+ Basic understanding of their inhaled medications.
+ Basic smoking/vaping cessation counseling.  

 2023 GOLD COPD Update

The latest COPD guidelines from the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), has updated its guideline synopses for COPD diagnosis, initial maintenance, treatment, and Exacerbation.

Please refer to the full statement for the unabbreviated guidelines. https://goldcopd.org/ 

 Some of the many Key changes:
- A new classification of COPD exacerbation severity was added.
- The ABCD tool was replaced with the new GOLD ABE Assessment tool, recognizing the clinical independent relevance of exacerbations. 
- An “Exacerbation” is now defined as “increased dyspnea and/or cough and sputum production that worsens over a period of <14 days.”
- Combination LABA+LAMA is recommended up front for patients with more persistent/severe symptoms (Group B).
- Triple treatment (LABA+LAMA+ICS) is recommended in preference to LABA+ICS for patients with more severe symptoms and higher exacerbation risk (Group E).
- Blood eosinophil levels are emphasized as a biomarker to guide treatment decisions.

Are you interested in a career in respiratory therapy?

Introduction to the Respiratory Care Profession

The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has developed an excellent career guide.

 Be-An-RT.org is designed for individuals embarking on their career planning. From high school students, current college students, or current professionals seeking a career change.

Users visiting the site will learn about the profession, why it’s a great career path, and how to start their journey to be a respiratory therapist. 

Great Commentary on “Normal” iPad use

The iPad Does Not Need Be Complex 

Terrific perspective on keeping the iPad “manageable” for the normal user.

Rene Ritchie on YouTube  Ruining the iPad

A click-bait title, but from one of the Webs best technology commentators.

Great to keep in mind when implementing IOS clincal tools.

 COPD Management Guidelines Summary 

The AARC in partnership with Boehringer-Ingelheim have introduced 2 new resources to assist the practitioner in the management of COPD

 

The 1st PDF highlights the GOLD and ATS guidelines. 

Real-world examples are used to highlight key considerations as to why following these evidence-based guidelines results in better patient outcomes.

The next PDF is a Huddle Card Checklist which may be an integral report tool during the patient’s hospital admission. 

AARC.org > Recourses > COPD Resources

https://www.aarc.org/resources/clinical-resources/copd-resource-materials/?utm_source=informz&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=aarc-protech&_zs=PNxKN1&_zl=k3Qo6

Entering the Room

 The 3 I’s of entering a patients room.

 The Feynman Technique

Step 1: What do you want to learn about?

• Identify a topic and start with a blank document. (A blank sheet, either paper or electronic). Write out everything you know about the subject as if you were teaching it to a child.
• As you learn more about the topic, add it to your sheet. 
• Use your organization tools of choice (colors, bullet points, outlines) so you can see your knowledge develop.

Step 2: Explain it to a 12-year-old

• Now that you think you understand a topic, explain it to a 12-year-old.
• Use your document as a reference to remove unnecessary jargon and complexity. Only use words a 12 year old would understand.

• Anyone can make a subject complicated but only someone who understands it can make it simple.

Step 3: Reflect, Refine, and Simplify

• Review your notes to make sure you didn’t mistakenly gloss over anything or insert unnecessary jargon.
• Read it out loud. If the explanation isn’t simple enough or sounds confusing, reflect and refine.
• Go back to the source material, reviewing the parts you don’t understand. Repeat until you have a simple explanation.

Step 4: Organize and Review

• Test your understanding in the real world, by teaching it to someone. 
• How effective was your explanation? What questions were asked? What parts caused confusion?
• Reflect, Refine, and Simply