Case Challenges in IPF

AARC Congress 2018

  Dec. 4–7, 2018

  Las Vegas, NV

Thursday, Dec. 6

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8:00 a.m.–8:45 a.m. | Mandalay H | Adult Acute

45th Donald F Egan Scientific Memorial Lecture: The ABCDEF Bundle and the Role of the Respiratory Therapist

Wes Ely MD MPH, Nashville TN

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Wes Ely

The ABCDEF Bundle is a major initiative in critical care to improve patient care and speed the ICU and ventilator discontinuation process. A — assess, manage, and prevent pain; B — both spontaneous breathing trials and spontaneous awakening trials; C — choice of analgesia and sedation; D — delirium prevention and treatment; E — early mobility/exercise; and F — family engagement. Dr. Ely will describe the integration of respiratory therapists into each of these domains to assure collaboration and quality patient care. He will describe how lack of respiratory therapy involvement can doom the implementation to failure. The science behind the bundle will be reviewed and areas of further study revealed.

8:50 a.m.–9:20 a.m. | Mandalay H | General

Flag Folding Ceremony

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Flag Folding Ceremony

An AARC tradition like no other, attend the AARC Flag Folding Ceremony and celebrate the rich tradition of the U.S. Military and Armed Forces. RT veterans and active duty respiratory therapists conduct a moving ceremony as we recognize those who serve, those who have served, and those we have lost.

8:35 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | General

Student Symposium for New Professionals

8:35 a.m.–9:10 a.m. | Breakers F

What It Means To Be a Professional

Dana Evans MHA RRT RRT-NPS, Chicago IL

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Dana Evans

This presentation will focus on preparing the respiratory care student to transition into professional life as a respiratory therapist. The presenter will discuss demonstrating professionalism in student environments (clinical rotations, professional meetings, etc.), applying and interviewing for a job, and maintaining professionalism after graduation.

9:15 a.m.–9:45 a.m. | Breakers F

Getting That Dream Job

Cheryl Hoerr MBA RRT FAARC, Rolla MO

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Cheryl Hoerr

This presentation will provide an explanation of the value of marketing and how you can use key marketing principles to position yourself for your dream job. We will also outline techniques to conduct an effective job search along with a brief overview on how to develop your cover letter and resume. The presenter will discuss common mistakes and pitfalls of job seekers, including those that may cost you the position before you are hired.

9:50 a.m.–10:25 a.m. | Breakers F

Messages from Your AARC President

Karen Schell DHSc RRT RRT-NPS RPFT, Frankfort KS

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Karen Schell

The 2019–2020 president of the AARC will meet with students to answer questions and discuss the importance of the role students play in advancing the profession.

10:30 a.m.–11:05 a.m. | Breakers F

Success on the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination

Bill Galvin MSEd RRT FAARC, Havertown PA

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Bill Galvin

The presentation will address the factors that make for success in the examination process. It will cover preparatory issues and what you will experience onsite as well as test-taking strategies and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the new Therapist Multiple-Choice Examination (TMC).

11:10 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Breakers F

Success on the Clinical Simulation Examination

Bill Galvin MSEd RRT FAARC, Havertown PA

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Bill Galvin

This presentation will serve as a sequel to the previous one 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. It will also highlight recent changes in policy.

11:50 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Breakers F

Finding Your WHY

Joseph Ariale Jr RRT, Summerville SC
Mandy De Vries RRT, Charleston SC

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Joseph ArialeMandy De Vries

Come in and join us for a little motivation and the stories of two very different respiratory therapists finding their WHYs through their respiratory educational and career journeys. Finding your WHY or your passion will give you the motivation to get involved and stay involved leading to a very fulfilled and positive respiratory career.

9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. | Lagoon G | General

Open Forum — Editors’ Choice

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Open Forum

Presentations of the top abstracts in this year’s Open Forum. Researchers and clinicians present significant findings in respiratory care research by giving 8-minute slide presentations, each followed by 5 minutes of questions and discussion. Important — Posters of the Editors’ Choice abstracts will be displayed in the Exhibit Hall on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec 4-5 and in the meeting room on Thursday, Dec 6.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

9:55 a.m.–10:25 a.m. | Breakers D | General

Diagnostics Section Meeting

Katrina Hynes MHA RRT RPFT/Presiding

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Katrina Hynes

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.

10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | Shoreline Exhibit Hall | Clinical Practice

Open Forum — Posters Only #2

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Open Forum

Researchers and clinicians present the results of their work in this Posters Only session. Authors available from 12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. for questions and answers. Poster Walk Rounds led by Dean R Hess PhD RRT FAARC and Brady Scott MSc RRT RRT-ACCS FAARC.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

10:30 a.m.–11:05 a.m. | Mandalay C | Neonatal/Pediatric

Top 5 Respiratory Controversies in the Neonatal ICU

Rob DiBlasi RRT RRT-NPS FAARC, Shoreline WA

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Rob DiBlasi

Today’s respiratory therapists are challenged when making clinical decisions that could impact clinical outcomes in the neonatal critical care environment. Pertinent topics may include anything from selecting the proper nasal airway interface for noninvasive support to deciding on a new ventilator mode to the location for placing a nebulizer for giving an aerosol treatment to a mechanically ventilated newborn. This interactive lecture will focus on several hot topics related to respiratory care in the NICU.

10:30 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Adult Acute

Current Opinions in Mechanical Ventilation

10:30 a.m.–11:05 a.m. | Mandalay L

Understanding Dynamic Alveolar Physiology to Minimize VILI

Gary Nieman BA, Syracuse NY

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Gary Nieman

Mechanical ventilation in ARDS can be a double-edged sword: if set improperly it can cause ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). In this lecture the dynamic physiology of alveolar inflation and deflation during mechanical ventilation will be reviewed. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of VILI will also be discussed.

11:10 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Mandalay L

Physiology-Based Practice

Thomas Piraino RRT, Toronto Ontario Canada

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Thomas Piraino

Despite the many large studies of mechanical ventilation only a few studies have demonstrated benefit or reduction of unwanted patient outcomes. Understanding, measuring, and monitoring the physiological response to mechanical ventilation is essential for individualizing the delivery of mechanical ventilation. This talk will summarize the concept of individualized mechanical ventilation based on physiology.

11:50 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Mandalay L

Evidence-Based Practice

Eddy Fan MD PhD, Toronto Ontario Canada

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Eddy Fan

Mechanical ventilation is a fundamental aspect of critical care. Evidence-based practice is essential for minimizing the potential harm of mechanical ventilation. This talk will summarize the best evidence available for the practice of mechanical ventilation today.

10:30 a.m.–11:05 a.m. | Lagoon F | Management

Healthy People 2020: What’s an RT Leader To Do?

Sara Parker MPH RRT AE-C, Columbia MO

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Sara Parker

The Healthy People Initiative is part of a 10-year plan aimed at improving the health of the American population. The initiative identifies major health topics and develops objectives to target specific areas. The goal is to obtain documented improvement by the end of the 10-year timeline. RT leaders and RT clinicians can play a role in achieving these outcomes with awareness and involvement in the development of the interventions.

10:30 a.m.–11:05 a.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice

Transforming COPD with an End to End Solution

Anil Singh MD, Pittsburgh PA

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Anil Singh

This lecture will discuss a program that is successful in coordinating acute and post-acute care in the management of COPD.

10:30 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Lagoon L | Adult Acute

PRO/CON: Post-Op Pulmonary Complications: Ambulation is Enough

PRO: Rich Branson MSc RRT FAARC, Beaufort SC
CON: Keith Lamb BS RRT RRT-ACCS, Warrenton VA

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Rich BransonKeith Lamb

Postoperative pulmonary complications are common and associated with considerable morbidity. Several therapies have been proposed to reduce issues such as atelectasis. This debate will evaluate the evidence to support and refute commonly used therapies to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications, including early ambulation.

10:30 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Pulmonary Function

ATS/ERS Diagnostic Standards

10:30 a.m.–11:05 a.m. | Breakers D

ERS Technical Standard on Bronchial Challenge Testing

Matthew O’Brien RRT RPFT FAARC, Madison WI

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Matthew O’Brien

In 2017 the European Respiratory Society published the new technical standard on bronchial challenge. This lecture will review this standard in its use in a pulmonary function laboratory.

11:10 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Breakers D

Single-Breath Carbon Monoxide Uptake in the Lung

Jeffrey Haynes RRT RPFT FAARC, Pembroke NH

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Jeffrey Haynes

In 2017 the European Respiratory Society and American Thoracic Society published new standards for single-breath carbon monoxide uptake in the lung. The document describes new calibration and mechanical model requirements and a quality control grading scheme as well as the new acceptability and repeatability criteria for test performance. In addition it emphasizes the use of rapid gas analyzer technology.

11:50 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Breakers D

ATS Standards for Pulmonary Function Reporting

Carl Mottram RRT RPFT FAARC, Rochester MN

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Carl Mottram

In December 2017 the ATS published a new standard on the standardization of the PFT report which includes references and grading schemes. This lecture will review the recommendations and the impact on pulmonary function laboratory practice.

10:30 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Ethics, Clinical Practice

COPD National Action Plan — How Do We Implement It?

10:30 a.m.–11:05 a.m. | Mandalay D

Ethical Challenges in an Evolving Technical Health Care World

Jason Moury MPH RRT, Winchendon MA

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Jason Moury

This lecture will explore the ethical challenges RTs face in our current connected world. The speaker will discuss what is/isn’t acceptable and ways to help respiratory therapists identify potential ethical issues. Three examples of “best practices” will be given that show decisions that have opened the door for discipline. The speaker will also explore the impact that social media and other internet-based forums have on RTs and their workplace.

11:10 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Mandalay D

The History and Importance of the COPD National Action Plan

Stephanie Williams BS RRT, Nashville TN

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Stephanie Williams

Did you know that the COPD National Action Plan is the first ever blueprint for a unified approach to dealing with the disease? The US Congress requested this plan be developed with input from a broad sample of the COPD community to help those affected by the disease and those who care about reducing its burden.

11:50 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Mandalay D

Knowledge and Empowerment

Jane Martin BA LRT CRT, Holland MI

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Jane Martin

Respiratory therapists can influence the impact of the COPD National Action Plan. In this presentation attendees will learn about specific tools they can use to help implement the COPD National Action Plan in their work environment. They will also learn how these resources are available in a variety of forms and levels of interaction for those impacted by COPD, including patients their family members and caregivers.

11:10 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Lagoon F | Clinical Practice

Discontent: The First Necessity of Progress

Thomas Berlin DHSc MS RRT, Orlando FL

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Thomas Berlin

American health care is at a crossroads in the attempt to reduce cost, eliminate waste, and improve value. Without a clear and relentless focus on enhancing and communicating value to those we serve, our profession may be at risk. Opportunity awaits RTs who can expand their skill set and work to mitigate problems with quality and waste. We will examine the message the US job market is sending and discuss a way forward.

11:10 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice

Dynamic Dialogue: Excellence in Patient Communication

Frederic Seifer MD FCCP, Potsdam NY

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Frederic Seifer

Dynamic Dialogue is a methodology for effective engagement. Dynamic Dialogue is used to connect with patients in a way most clinicians can’t or won’t. It’s connecting with patients at their level, figuring out what’s important to them, and leveraging it to better manage their chronic disease.

11:10 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Neonatal/Pediatric

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia: Management and Outcomes

11:10 a.m.–11:45 a.m. | Mandalay C

Acute Management of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Natalie Napolitano MPH RRT FAARC, Philadelphia PA

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Natalie Napolitano

This presentation will include a comprehensive discussion of the key aspects in the management of the neonate with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. An emphasis will be placed on the available data.

11:50 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Mandalay C

Outcomes of Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

Howie Panitch MD, Philadelphia PA

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Howie Panitch

What are the short- and long-term outcomes for neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia? This international expert will review the available data and offer thoughts for future developments for this challenging clinical condition. Time will be allotted for discussion with the audience.

11:50 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Lagoon F | Management

Achieving the APEX Recognition Award: Not a Sprint but a Marathon

Margarete Pierce MS RRT CPFT, Chadds Ford PA

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Margarete Pierce

The APEX Award defines performance-driven standards demonstrating commitment to excellence in quality, safety, and evidence-based care. APEX recognition organizations require engaged RTs who are actively involved in process improvement, best practices, and a progressive environment that empowers and attracts clinicians. The lecture provides tips to implement changes and prepare your department to achieve APEX recognition status.

11:50 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Lagoon L | Adult Acute

Lung Transplantation and the RT

Mark Yoder MD MS FCCP, Chicago IL

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Mark Yoder

This presentation will discuss the policies and regulations addressing lung transplantation and when the chronic pulmonary disease patient may qualify for lung transplantation in addition to pre- and post-lung transplantation patient care.

11:50 a.m.–12:25 p.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice

M3–Maximally Medically Managed

Frederic Seifer MD FCCP, Potsdam NY

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Frederic Seifer

This topic will cover what it means to be Maximally Medically Managed as a COPD patient. This means following the GOLD guidelines, evaluating secretion clearance capabilities, and identifying things like bronchiectasis which is grossly under-diagnosed by >75% in the US.

12:30 p.m.–2:25 p.m. | Surf B | General

Open Forum — Poster Discussions #11

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Open Forum

Researchers and clinicians present research results on bread-and-butter issues in respiratory care. The audience and authors review the posters during the first part of the session. A brief oral presentation (no slides) and audience questions and discussion allow presenters to expand on the work featured on the posters.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

12:30 p.m.–2:25 p.m. | Reef E | General

Open Forum — Poster Discussions #12

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Open Forum

Researchers and clinicians present research results on bread-and-butter issues in respiratory care. The audience and authors review the posters during the first part of the session. A brief oral presentation (no slides) and audience questions and discussion allow presenters to expand on the work featured on the posters.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

12:45 p.m.–1:45 p.m. | Lagoon L | General

Education Section Meeting

Georgianna Sergakis PhD RRT FAARC/Presiding

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Georgianna Sergakis

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.

1:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Adult Acute

ECMO: When, Who, and How

1:45 p.m.–2:20 p.m. | Mandalay L

Assessment of Oxygenation in Critical Care

Heidi Dalton MD, Scottsdale AZ

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Heidi Dalton

Oxygenation Index (OI), PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratios, and SpO2/FiO2 (S/F) ratios are used as clinical indicators of hypoxemia in critical care. This lecture will focus on how these and other values may be used to help screen patients for advanced support modalities.

2:25 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Mandalay L

This Patient is an ECMO Candidate: REALLY?

Mani Daneshmand MD, Durham NC

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Mani Daneshmand

ECMO supports heart and lung function when conventional therapies have failed and the risk of death is high. But who should be placed on ECMO? How do we decide that a patient is a good candidate? This lecture will discuss the indications and contraindications of ECMO support with an emphasis on factors that influence the final decision.

3:05 p.m.–3:40 p.m. | Mandalay L

New Extracorporeal Support Devices

Heidi Dalton MD, Scottsdale AZ

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Heidi Dalton

This lecture will discuss new methods and devices for extracorporeal support that have been recently developed and are on the horizon.

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Mandalay L

Novel Approaches to ECMO Cannulation

Mani Daneshmand MD, Durham NC

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Mani Daneshmand

With the growing acceptance of the importance of ambulation during ECMO support, security of cannula placement is essential. This national expert will review novel cannulation strategies which enable patients, including those cannulated for VA ECMO, to ambulate safely. Thoughts for the future advancements of ECMO technology will be offered.

1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Mandalay C | Neonatal/Pediatric

PRO/CON: Infants Should Be Extubated to HFNC to Facilitate Successful Extubation

PRO: Rob DiBlasi RRT RRT-NPS FAARC, Shoreline WA
CON: Brad Kuch MHA RRT FAARC, Havertown PA

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Rob DiBlasiBrad Kuch

It is becoming increasingly common for clinicians to extubate infants and children to noninvasive respiratory support with HFNC. Does this practice promote extubation success and is it thus resource wise? Or does this practice prolong unnecessary supportive medical care and waste resources? In a pro/con format these two experts in the field will debate this ongoing controversy. Time will be allocated for open discussion with the audience.

1:45 p.m.–2:20 p.m. | Breakers D | Pulmonary Function

Pulmonary Function Testing of the Obese Patient

Jeffrey Haynes RRT RPFT FAARC, Pembroke NH

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Jeffrey Haynes

This lecture will review the physiologic and technical aspects of performing pulmonary function testing in the obese patient.

1:45 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Clinical Practice

Heated High Flow Humidity in Post-Acute: Improving Outcomes

1:45 p.m.–2:20 p.m. | Reef C

Why Heated High Flow for Trach and Vent Weaning?

Nancy Nathenson RRT, Lincoln NE

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Nancy Nathenson

Introduction of heated high flow humidification in the LTACH environment — why and how.

2:25 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Reef C

Vent Days Reduction with Heated High Flow Humidification

Lorraine Cullen MS RRT, Berlin CT

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Lorraine Cullen

Ventilator weaning rates will become a core metric for LTACHs in the near future. How can LTACHs meet or exceed the national standards? This presentation will look at one LTACHs’ ventilator weaning protocol that resulted in a reduction of 4 days on the vent.

1:45 p.m.–2:20 p.m. | Management

Navigating Group Purchasing Organizations

1:45 p.m.–2:20 p.m. | Lagoon F

GPOs in Value-Based Purchases and What RT Managers Need to Understand

Stephen Walker BHS RRT RCP, Weatherford TX

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Stephen Walker

Many organizations purchase supplies through Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs). This presentation will provide information about what a GPO is, what a GPO does for your organization, why manufacturers contract through GPOs, and how you can utilize your facility’s GPO to help manage your equipment, supplies, and other purchases to ensure quality of care rather than merely cost-cutting.

2:25 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Lagoon F

Why Do We All Have to Have the Same Stuff? Clinical Preferences

Carl Hinkson MS RRT FAARC, Marysville WA

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Carl Hinkson

Has this happened to you: you have a nice ventilator that everyone in your facility is comfortable using, but now you’re being told you have to buy a different brand because it is “on contract?” You are not alone. GPOs offer great value but may force everyone to standardize to one product. This presentation will cover differentiating between what is a clinical need versus a clinical preference and how to approach it with your colleagues.

1:45 p.m.–2:20 p.m. | Mandalay D | Clinical Practice

Social Media in Health Care and Asthma Education

Jamie Smith BHS RRT AE-C, Leawood KS

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Jamie Smith

This presentation will describe first-hand experience with starting a social media platform within the hospital system and using social media as a way to educate ourselves and our patient population about asthma and allergies.

1:45 p.m.–2:20 p.m. | Lagoon L | Education

How “Present” is the Online Instructor?

Monica Schibig MA RRT RRT-NPS, Columbia MO

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Monica Schibig

Over the past few years there have been several highly publicized reports of institutions that were facing substantial fines, or potential loss of accreditation, because classes defined by the institution as distance education lacked evidence of regular and substantive interaction between instructors and students. This lecture will provide vital information to ensure compliance and avoid accreditation complications.

2:25 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Breakers D | Pulmonary Function

The Dollars and Sense of Pulmonary Function Testing

Matthew O’Brien RRT RPFT FAARC, Madison WI

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Matthew O’Brien

Health care reimbursement dollars continue to decline. Health care facilities continue to look for ways to reduce costs. Does your current method of diagnostic testing make sense? This presentation will provoke you to reassess your current lab workflow for potential savings without sacrificing quality.

2:25 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Education

Paving the Path to a Bachelor’s Degree

2:25 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Lagoon L

Curricular Considerations

Tina Siddon MS RRT, Madisonville KY

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Tina Siddon

This presentation will describe interventions programs can implement prior to students starting their degree program.

3:05 p.m.–3:40 p.m. | Lagoon L

Helping Students Explore Opportunities

Kyle Mahan MSM RRT, Louisville KY

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Kyle Mahan

This presentation will describe low budget methods of making students aware of options to transfer to bachelor’s degree RT programs.

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Lagoon L

Resources Available to Help

Diane Oldfather MHEd RRT FAARC, Bland MO

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Diane Oldfather

This presentation will describe tools that are available to promote career pathways.

2:25 p.m.–3:00 p.m. | Mandalay D | Clinical Practice

Home Asthma Education: Can I Get Reimbursed for That?

Sara Parker MPH RRT AE-C, Columbia MO

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Sara Parker

The economic burden of asthma in the United States is significant. Asthma education improves asthma self-management and asthma control. In-home asthma education programs can decrease the number of hospitalizations and have a significant return on investment if they are developed appropriately. There is currently a gap in this area of asthma management but several states are beginning to utilize AE-Cs for this service.

3:05 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Management

You’re in the 25th Percentile — Now What?

3:05 p.m.–3:40 p.m. | Lagoon F

Pitfalls and Complexities of Benchmarking

Richard Ford BS RRT FAARC, Poway CA

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Richard Ford

Every department strives to be the best, but what do you do when your administrator informs you that your benchmarking data is way “out of line” with your compare group and it looks like significant reductions in staff must be made? We will take a closer look at why benchmarking data — in even the best performing hospitals — can indicate productivity is poor and look at strategies to level the playing field and improve performance.

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Lagoon F

AARC Benchmarking: Getting the Most from Your Metrics

Richard Ford BS RRT FAARC, Poway CA

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Richard Ford

AARC Benchmarking has been redesigned. This presentation will highlight the key features of AARC Benchmarking, the process of data entry, and an overview of reports currently available.

3:05 p.m.–3:40 p.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice

The HME RT: Evolve or Disappear

Zach Gantt RRT, Livingston TN

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Zach Gantt

Innovative home care providers have found new ways to create revenue streams, clinical programs, and partnerships. These services and programs are the exception instead of the norm. This lecture will review these successful models and discuss how to get paid for respiratory services in post-acute care.

3:05 p.m.–3:40 p.m. | Mandalay C | Neonatal/Pediatric

Delirium in the Critical Care Setting: Reality or Dream?

Sapna Kudchadkar MD PhD, Baltimore MD

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Sapna Kudchadkar

An increasing quantity of literature supports both the existence and adverse effects of delirium in the pediatric population. An international expert in this important field will review the available data, discuss tools to identify delirium in the pediatric ICU, and explore strategies for treatment.

3:05 p.m.–3:40 p.m. | Breakers D | Pulmonary Function

Clinical Application of Impulse Oscillometry

Michael Morris MD, San Antonio TX

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Michael Morris

This presentation will discuss how impulse oscillometry can be used in the pulmonary function lab to supplement spirometry and assist in the diagnosis of asthma and other respiratory disorders.

3:05 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Clinical Practice

The Immunological Basis of Asthma

3:05 p.m.–3:40 p.m. | Mandalay D

The Immunological Basis for Asthma

Kathleen Ververeli MD, Allentown PA

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Kathleen Ververeli

This lecture will describe the various immune pathways that lead to the development and progression of asthma with a focus on potential treatment targets.

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Mandalay D

Management of the Immunological Basis of Asthma

Kathleen Ververeli MD, Allentown PA

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Kathleen Ververeli

This lecture will detail the currently approved monoclonal antibodies and future ones with focus on their specific mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, and practical use in clinical settings.

3:05 p.m.–3:40 p.m. | Breakers F | Management

Professional Use of Social Media

Mona Shattell PhD RN, Chicago IL

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Mona Shattell

Considering issues such as HIPAA and hospital liability, social media may feel like a minefield to health care providers. There are many resources regarding what not to post; however it is equally important to know how proper use of social media can benefit the health care provider, the profession, and the community.

3:10 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Surf B | General

Open Forum — Poster Discussions #13

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Open Forum

Researchers and clinicians present research results on bread-and-butter issues in respiratory care. The audience and authors review the posters during the first part of the session. A brief oral presentation (no slides) and audience questions and discussion allow presenters to expand on the work featured on the posters.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

3:10 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Surf E | General

Open Forum — Poster Discussions #14

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Open Forum

Researchers and clinicians present research results on bread-and-butter issues in respiratory care. The audience and authors review the posters during the first part of the session. A brief oral presentation (no slides) and audience questions and discussion allow presenters to expand on the work featured on the posters.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Reef C | Clinical Practice

Emergency Preparedness in the Home: Is Your Team Ready?

Cynthia Gray Roberts RRT RPFT, Edmond OK

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Cynthia Gray Roberts

Preparing for the emergency you hope never comes is essential to the safety of your staff and clients/patients. The past years have presented emergencies that were thought to be impossible. Natural emergencies and manmade are something you must be prepared to deal with. Are you ready?

3:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Pulmonary Function

Hot Topics in Pulmonary Diagnostics

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Breakers D

An Interpretation of Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FENO) Levels for Clinical Applications

Katrina Hynes MHA RRT RPFT, Rochester MN

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Katrina Hynes

In 2013 the American Thoracic Society published an official clinical practice guideline describing the clinical utility of FENO testing and interpretation of the data produced. This lecture will review this guideline and its use in the clinical setting.

4:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Breakers D

A “Gap” Analysis

Carl Mottram RRT RPFT FAARC, Rochester MN

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Carl Mottram

Clinical practice guidelines and technical statements are necessary to ensure patient data is produced in standardized fashions and according to identified medical best practices. At times the written language can be discordant with how clinicians conduct the test. This presentation will identify the “gaps” in the newly published documents and their impact on patient care.

3:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Neonatal/Pediatric

Noninvasive Gas Exchange: As Good As an Arterial Line?

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Mandalay C

Noninvasive CO2 Assessment in the Neo-Peds ICU Setting

Craig Smallwood PhD RRT, Jamaica Plain MA

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Craig Smallwood

End-tidal CO2 monitoring is becoming a standard of clinical care. Increasingly mechanical ventilators incorporate carbon dioxide monitoring permitting breath-by-breath measurements and waveform analysis as well as trending of the key parameters. This presentation will discuss the relevant technology, physiologic limitations, and best practices of capnography during mechanical ventilation.

4:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Mandalay C

Noninvasive Monitoring of Oxygenation in the Neo-Peds ICU Setting

Craig Wheeler MS RRT RRT-NPS, Boxford MA

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Craig Wheeler

The Oxygenation Index and PaO2/FiO2 ratio are commonly used metrics to assess pulmonary dysfunction; however both values require an arterial blood gas sample to calculate. This presentation will discuss various noninvasive methods for assessing the severity of respiratory failure. Benefits, limitations, and best practices of noninvasive monitoring of oxygenation will be explored.

3:45 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Neonatal/Pediatric

Strategies to Succeed in Respiratory Care

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Breakers F

Words of Wisdom: Medical Director’s Perspective

Ira Cheifetz MD FAARC, Durham NC

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Ira Cheifetz

New to neonatal-pediatric respiratory care? Changing roles within the respiratory care field? This presentation will offer thoughts and suggestions for success from a senior medical director’s perspective. Open discussion with the audience will be encouraged.

4:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Breakers F

Words of Wisdom: Recent Grad’s Perspective

Camille Stover RRT, Boise ID

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Camille Stover

New to neonatal-pediatric respiratory care? Changing roles within the respiratory care field? This presentation will offer thoughts and suggestions for success from a recent grad’s perspective. Open discussion with the audience will be encouraged.

4:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Lagoon F | Management

What the C-Suite Expects of RT Leaders to Demonstrate Their Value and the Value of Their Respiratory Care Services

Anthony Baird DSc MHA RRT, El Paso TX

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Anthony Baird

The presentation will outline developmental and growth capabilities for RT Managers and RT clinicians using our intrinsic global education and positioning as the platform for this development and growth. Discussion will include current and future challenges to health care in general and how RT leaders must play a major role. This presentation is delivered by a former RT who has made the leap to the C-Suite and will share his perspectives on how we are viewed by executives and what we must do to demonstrate, document, and communicate our value.

4:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Mandalay L | Adult Acute

Maintaining Skin Integrity during Noninvasive Ventilation

Kenneth Miller MSRT MSEd RRT, Bath PA

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Kenneth Miller

The benefits of noninvasive ventilation are well documented as are associated complications. Facial skin breakdown is a well-known complication that should be addressed. This lecture describes risk factors associated with facial skin breakdown and a multi-disciplinary team approach to reduce it in the acute care environment.

4:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Lagoon L | Education

A Graceful Exit: An End-of-Life Course

Monica Schibig MA RRT RRT-NPS, Columbia MO

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Monica Schibig

It can be challenging to incorporate important information regarding end-of-life care into the already packed RT curriculum. This lecture will present a self-study, online, eight module based approach that allows for the flexibility of including modules at any point in time during a student’s matriculation through the program.

4:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Reef C | Patient Safety

Staying Safe during Patient Care

Mona Shattell PhD RN, Chicago IL

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Mona Shattell

Health care providers may experience emotionally charged situations when providing patient care. This presentation will explore various situations the RT may experience and identify appropriate strategies to avoid, manage, or de-escalate these situations.

4:25 p.m.–5:00 p.m. | Mandalay D | Ethics

Ethics and the RT: Err on the Side of …

Stephanie Williams BS RRT, Nashville TN

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Stephanie Williams

As medical professionals respiratory therapists are held to a high ethical standard. You may think you know the right thing to do in a variety of situations, but are you familiar with what the AARC Code of Ethics says? How do those standards play out in real life? This lecture will explore the code of ethics and examine real world events and the decisions that were made — both positive and negative.

5:15 p.m.–7:30 p.m. | Mandalay H | General

Sputum Bowl Reception

Renee Wunderley BS RRT RRT-NPS/Presiding

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Renee Wunderley

Student teams from the AARC State Societies compete in the preliminary competitions. The top four teams will face off in the Finals today.

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