Program Guide

The AARC’s Professor’s Rounds series has consistently presented the most current information available to improve the knowledge and skills of respiratory therapists. This cost-effective approach of providing continuing
education for your staff has an outstanding lineup of topics and speakers in 2004.

Program 1
Heliox and Nitric Oxide—Getting the Most of Alternative Gas Therapies
Available April 15, 2004

The presentation will discuss the clinical applications and technical considerations for the use of heliox and inhaled nitric oxide. Scientific literature and patient safety data for the application of alternative gas therapy will be reviewed.

Presenters
Mike Gentile, BS, RRT, Duke University Medical Center
Dean Hess, RRT, PhD, FAARC, Massachusetts General Hospital

Program 2
Controversies in the Management of Pediatric Asthma
Available May 15, 2004

This presentation will focus on several topics in the management of pediatric asthma that remain controversial and influence the respiratory therapist. We will discuss the rational use of peak flow meters and PFTs in both acute and chronic asthma management. Additionally, choices of aerosolized bronchodilators and methods of delivering them will be explored.

Presenters
Carolyn Kercsmar, MD, Case Western Reserve University
Tim Myers, BS, RRT, Case Western Reserve University

Program 3
Transitioning the Ventilator Dependent Patient from the Hospital to the Home
Available June 15, 2004

This presentation will focus on the requirements and obstacles faced by respiratory therapists transitioning mechanically ventilated patients from hospital to the home. Key areas of discussion include the clinical challenges and requirements, technical concerns and needs, family/caregiver and environmental issues and reimbursement.

Presenters
Joseph Lewarski, BS, RRT, Hytech Homecare
Tom Kallstrom, RRT, FAARC, AE-C, Fairview Hospital

Program 4
Getting the Most from the Mist: Current and Future Aerosol Delivery
Available July 15, 2004

This program will review the various aerosol delivery devices that are currently in use and other promising devices that are under development. Historically, therapeutic aerosols were principally employed for treatment of asthma and COPD. With recent improvements in aerosol technology, it is now possible to deliver inhaled drugs with high efficiency and precision. Significant improvements in the efficiency and consistency of drug delivery with newer aerosol delivery devices have significantly improved the potential for wider application of inhaled therapies.

Presenters
Rajiv Dhand, MD, University of Missouri
Joe Rau, PhD, RRT, FAARC. Georgia State University

Program 5
What You Need to Know About Predicting and Preventing Airway Compromise
Available August 15, 2004

This presentation will review simple and complex methods of airway management including the use of exhaled CO2 monitoring and the newest airway maintenance laryngeal mask airways. Use of special devices including fiberoptic optic methods will be covered. The role of invasive and surgical airways in dealing with life-threatening conditions will be discussed.

Presenters
Charles Durbin, MD, FAARC, University of Virginia
Richard Branson, BA, RRT FAARC, University of Cincinnati

Program 6
Quality Control and Practice Variation in Mechanical Ventilation
Available September 15, 2004

Each year, thousands of patients in the United States are mechanically ventilated and receive respiratory care. We know from many fields in medicine that the best clinical practice guidelines are frequently not implemented at the bedside. In this presentation, we will review techniques for implementing the best possible respiratory care at every bedside.

Presenters
Gordon Rubenfeld, MD, MSc, Harborview Medical Center
David Pierson MD, FAARC, Harborview Medical Center

Program 7
Using AARC CPGs to Improve Effectiveness and Safety in Patient Care
Available October 15, 2004

A clinical practice guideline is a systematically developed statement to help clinicians deliver appropriate care in specific clinical circumstances. The AARC clinical practice guidelines have made a large impact on respiratory care practice. In this program, strategies will be discussed to use the AARC clinical practice guidelines to improve effectiveness and safety in patient care.

Presenters
Dean Hess, RRT, PhD, FAARC, Massachusetts General Hospital
Richard Branson, BA, RRT, FAARC, University of Cincinnati

Program 8
Prevention of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia: The Role of the Respiratory Therapist
Available November 15, 2004

Nosocomial pneumonia is common and potentially preventable complication of mechanical ventilation. Numerous strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia have been identified. Many of these strategies are relatively inexpensive and should be easily incorporated into usual respiratory therapy practice. This program will focus on the role of the respiratory therapist in the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia

Presenters
Dean Hess, RRT, PhD, FAARC, Massachusetts General Hospital
Richard Branson, BA, RRT, FAARC, University of Cincinn