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.

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.

Researchers and clinicians present the results of their work in this Posters Only session. Authors available from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm for questions and interaction.

Supported by an unrestricted education grant from

Kimberly S Wiles RRT CPFT , Kittanning PA

With the surge of transition of care programs across the country many hospitals are incorporating a home visit by an RT from the hospital. This lecture will discuss the competencies required for the RT to navigate the home setting and uncover potential barriers to care.

Madhu Sasidhar MD FCCP , Pepper Pike OH

The field of artificial intelligence is expanding rapidly with promising applications in health care. Platforms such as IBM Watson are being applied to optimize health care delivery in a variety of settings. This talk will focus on a real-world example of applying artificial intelligence algorithms to predict short-term respiratory therapist staffing requirements for an integrated health care system.

Sherry Whiteman MS RRT , Neosho MO

High-fidelity simulation has proven to be a useful tool for the health care educator, but purchasing the manikins can be quite costly. This lecture will look at various options to increase the fidelity of simulations without breaking the bank!

John Emberger RRT-ACCS CPHQ FAARC, Newark DE

This lecture will cover the literature as well as review video cases of graphics to improve ventilator synchrony of very low birth weight infants. Attendees will understand how to identify asynchrony and optimize the ventilator to improve synchrony for premature infants receiving mechanical ventilation.

Funded through an unrestricted educational grant from

Aaron McColpin DNP RRT-NPS NP CPFT, Camarillo CA

This lecture will review the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies used by patients today. Also, we'll review the current evidence for these common CAM therapies and ways to incorporate them into your pulmonary rehabilitation program.

PRO: Keith D Lamb RRT-ACCS FCCM , Warrenton VA
CON: Brady Scott MS RRT-ACCS FAARC Chicago IL

High flow nasal oxygen by nasal cannula has been applied to any number of disease states. Recent publications suggest HFNC is better tolerated and more effective than noninvasive ventilation. However, while HFNC reduces ventilator requirements, it doesn't reduce the work of breathing in the same fashion as NIV. So, which should be applied first?

Funded through an unrestricted educational grant from

Cynthia Anne Gray BS RRT RPFT , Edmond OK

This lecture will look at the techniques and skills that allow home care companies to maintain or enhance quality with a declining reimbursement. Understanding how Quality Improvement programs can make the difference between surviving and thriving will be reviewed and presented.

Julianne Buchler BN MBA , Chicago IL

Care Redesign aims to improve outcomes through a structured, interdisciplinary process of standardizing approaches to patient management. A key goal to success of such a process is the need for Management to empower their staff to 'think outside the box.' This presentation will provide an overview of this novel approach, including tools and key success factors for achieving sustained change aligned with organizational objectives and informed by data.

Phillip Stark RRT , Hershey PA

Simulation has become the premiere educational method to obtain and enhance clinical skills. Incorporating an educational curriculum into any simulation session is essential to its success. This discussion will focus on describing and implementing the 6 steps of Kern's educational curriculum into a simulation of any kind.

Chosen from the 2016 Speaker Academy

Rob DiBlasi BSRT RRT-NPS FAARC , Seattle WA

The gold standard in artificial surfactant administration for infants with respiratory distress has been to administer the drug directly through an endotracheal tube during assisted ventilation. With the trend of supporting neonates with noninvasive respiratory support, is there a simple and safe strategy for delivering lung surfactant without intubation? This presentation will review novel, minimally-invasive strategies that offer the potential to effectively deliver surfactant noninvasively.

Funded through an unrestricted educational grant from

Debbie Koehl MS RRT-NPS AE-C FAARC , Indianapolis IN

Cough and severe activity-related hypoxemia (SARH) can be as disabling as dyspnea. Attend this session for a review on supporting evidence for PR exercise and management of supplemental oxygen.

Kimberly S Wiles RRT CPFT , Kittanning PA

Patients are purchasing small, lightweight portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) to use that only have pulse mode delivery. How effective are these devices? Patients don't care, but the RT should. Multiple variables impact pulse dose delivery. This lecture will discuss the pros and cons of utilizing POCs for long-term use.

Kim Bennion MHS RRT CHC , Salt Lake City UT

This presenter is certified in health care compliance which is a new role for RTs. She will share her corporation's process of bridging the communication chasm between the clinical and business arms of health care. She will also describe how the corporation's respiratory care clinical service line's annual activity tracker, based on the seven elements of an effective compliance program as well as dimensions of clinical care, assisted in bridging the gap and expanding roles for respiratory therapists in the organization. With this information, attendees will have the knowledge necessary to create this value-added role in your organization.

Heidi Gibson RRT , Minneapolis MN

This lecture will describe the development of an "Interventional Respiratory Therapist" and their role in an Interventional Pulmonology program. The lecture will include a discussion of the essential responsibilities of the respiratory therapist in bronchoscopy. Descriptions of specialized equipment used to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures will be covered along with a case review to illustrate the expanding role of the respiratory therapist in the bronchoscopy suite.

Kim Ernstmeyer RN MSN ANP-BC , Eau Claire WI
Theresa Meinen MS RRT CHSE Chippewa Falls WI

The Augmented Reality Integrated Simulation Education (ARISE) project was developed as part of a federal grant from the Department of Labor. The ARISE project designs health care simulations using iPads, QR codes, and rich media via the ARISE open-source platform to augment both high- and low-fidelity simulation and enhance learner engagement. Join us and interact with this unique advancement to health care simulation education.

Alexandre T Rotta MD, Cleveland OH

This presentation will discuss the many challenges and common pitfalls of caring for infants and children in a cardiac intensive care unit, including the intended and unintended consequences of "routine" therapies in those with non-traditional cardiorespiratory physiology.

Stephanie Williams BS RRT , Nashville TN

A golden opportunity is waiting for RTs in the Skilled Nursing space. While RT services cannot be billed as a separate item in skilled facilities, the patient will benefit significantly from having RT expertise in SNFs to help augment the PT/OT departments. This lecture will provide learners with the skills to sell their services to skilled nursing facilities.

David M Wheeler M. Ed. RRT-NPS FAARC , Charleston SC

This discussion will center on the emerging technologies for the evaluation, rescue, and resuscitation of the harvested human lung in the ex-vivo state. The focal point of this discussion will be the crucial role of the respiratory therapist in the process of harvested lung resuscitation. Currently less than 20% of harvested lungs are transplanted while the remaining 80% are wasted. This discussion will identify and explain the management techniques of human lung preservation and rescue, compare competing technologies, and describe the steps needed to create a lung lab. Several videos and pictures of human lungs being treated and evaluated will be utilized to highlight case studies from the lab.

Researchers and clinicians present findings of studies on aerosol therapy, mechanical ventilation, neonatal and pediatric care, education, management, and every other mode of practice in our profession.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

Researchers and clinicians present findings of studies on aerosol therapy, mechanical ventilation, neonatal and pediatric care, education, management, and every other mode of practice in our profession.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

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.

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.

Brady Scott MS RRT-ACCS FAARC , Chicago IL

Educational programs have established policies and procedures as well as professional codes of conduct. However, not all situations are included in these documents. How does the program handle unique and unexpected breaches of professionalism? The presenter will provide a series of unique situations to highlight potential gaps in departmental and institutional policy as well as garner discussion about the appropriate courses of action.

Cheryl Hoerr MBA RRT CPFT FAARC , Rolla MO

The increasing incidents of patients being infected as a result of contaminated equipment has many waving a caution flag and warning that there are gaps in our knowledge and processes. Come and hear what has been discovered about why your "clean" equipment may not be as clean as you think and what steps you can take to minimize your patients' risk of infection.

Krystal Craddock BSRC RRT-NPS CCM, Sacramento CA

This lecture will give you a look at what RT COPD case managers at UC Davis have been doing to improve patient education and facilitate health care navigation and utilization to achieve better outcomes and cost savings. A review of the COPD case management program includes education, medication, and treatment recommendations and CMS discharge planning standards.

Zach Gantt RRT, Livingston TN

Telemedicine is an exploding industry that is rapidly becoming part of every major Health care ecosystem in the U. S., so why are Respiratory Therapist not in the forefront of the telemedicine movement? This presentation will outline opportunities to extend Respiratory Care into any environment in the country, including, long term care.

Jeff Anderson MA RRT, Meridian ID

This presentation will provide learners with a systematic, comprehensive method to evaluate adult ICU chest radiographs and CT scans. Anatomic structures will be identified both on plane films and CT scans, and common critical care pathology will be identified both on plane films and accompanying CTs. Various CT formats will also be reviewed, including body windows, lung windows, axial, sagittal, and, coronal views.

Joe Hylton MA RRT-ACCS/NPS NRP FAARC , Charlotte NC

Disaster situations can manifest in many forms. This presentation will highlight common disaster types and how it might impact the health care provider in emergency and critical care environments.

Debbie Koehl MS RRT-NPS AE-C FAARC, Indianapolis IN

CMS coverage rules for COPD and Non-COPD differ. Attend this session for a review and to discuss how to manage a diverse payer referral base.

Kathryn Thompson RRT, Masontown PA
Lisa Ziller BS RRT Bloomsburg PA

This lecture will explain how value based care delivery meets the objectives of the "Triple Aim" for health care. Identify resources and tools for providing adult patients and families with the best in value based, patient-centered care utilizing top of license practice, evidenced-based approaches and alternative modes of therapy.

Karen S Schell DHSc RRT-NPS RRT-SDS RPFT , Kansas City KS

Interprofessional Education is here! Are you ready for it? Learn what it is and how to implement it in your classroom and courses.

Shawna Strickland PhD RRT-NPS RRT-ACCS AE-C FAARC, Irving TX

A patient's ability to manage his/her disease process can impact long-term health goals, cost of health care, and whether or not that patient can be successfully managed at home. This presentation will define health literacy and discuss its impact on several factors, including patient health outcomes and health care costs. In addition, the presentation will identify barriers to effective patient education and how the respiratory therapist can overcome those barriers to promote effective disease self-management, reduce readmissions, and improve the burden of health care costs.

Brian Carlin MD, Sewickley PA

Attend this session for a year's worth of review of the more important studies impacting care of the chronic lung disease patient.

Gene Gantt RRT FAARC, Livingston TN

The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) industry is quickly catching up with the readmission penalties. This presentation will outline the need for the advancement of respiratory technology in the LTC market and how RT's in Tennessee have driven policy to create a successful program.

Researchers and clinicians present findings of studies on aerosol therapy, mechanical ventilation, neonatal and pediatric care, education, management, and every other mode of practice in our profession.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

Researchers and clinicians present findings of studies on aerosol therapy, mechanical ventilation, neonatal and pediatric care, education, management, and every other mode of practice in our profession.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

Jody Delp MSEd RRT CPFT, Evansville IN

This presentation was created to discuss how interprofessional coaches facilitate transformational learning and inspire teamwork in interprofessional teams working together in outpatient primary health care settings.

Kim Bennion MHS RRT CHC, Salt Lake City UT

The presenter will share the seven elements of a compliance program as they can relate to Respiratory Care Service Line clinical goals.

Brian Carlin MD, Sewickley PA

Some controversy exists as to the benefits that PR provides in regards to readmission reduction programs. This session will review the literature surrounding the use of PR in regards to readmission reductions as well as discuss a proposed trial for studying such effects in a prospective fashion.

Armando Kurili BS CRT , Canton MI

This presentation provides background on the adult, ventilator-dependent patient population and the benefits involved with implementing smartphone videoconferencing for remote patient management in outpatient settings.

Karen S Schell DHSc RRT-NPS RRT-SDS RPFT , Kansas City KS
Sheri Tooley BS RRT-NPS CPFT FAARC Pittsford NY

Education is moving to Interprofessional Practices. Many classroom activities are integrating professions to improve communication collaboration and teamwork. This presentation looks at ideas to make the transition to interprofessional education work with limited time and faculty.

Cheryl Hoerr MBA RRT CPFT FAARC , Rolla MO
Julie Jackson BS RRT-ACCS Des Moines IA

As medical technology continues to advance, respiratory therapy managers and educators may struggle with ensuring staff competency to maximize patient safety especially with low volume/high risk procedures. This panel discussion will address the challenges and barriers to developing competencies for complex medical technology from both the manager and educator perspective and provide the attendee with recommendations for improving staff competency assessment.

Jeffrey M Haynes RRT RPFT FAARC, Pembroke NH

This lecture will review the 2017 ATS-ERS guidelines on the diffusing capacity of the lung (DLCO) and discuss how to implement them and their impact on current testing practices.

Marc Schlessinger MBA RRT-NPS RPFT FACHE, Plymouth Meeting PA

With today's connected health care environment, medical device cybersecurity can no longer be an option. It must be a strategy for every health care organization. Easy access to the hospital network can be achieved through the many connected medical devices. Many health care systems still utilize outdated and unsupported operating systems which pose an additional threat to the network. This talk will address what actions hospitals should take to address the medical device cybersecurity issue.

James K Stoller MD MS FAARC, Cleveland OH

The lecture will provide a systematic review of plain chest X-ray interpretation. The lecture will be sprinkled with cases to make specific points and to engage the audience.

Keith D Lamb RRT-ACCS FCCM, Warrenton VA

Airway clearance remains a key component of respiratory care but the efficacy of many treatments is unproven. Often therapies are introduced to replace chest percussion - a therapy that has no evidence of efficacy in acute care. What should we do and what should we avoid?

Ryan Stiles BS RRT , Gallatin TN

Effective communication is paramount to patients with a tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation. Use of a one-way tracheostomy and ventilator speaking valve to provide effective communication as well as other quality of life benefits will be examined. Researched evidence in conjunction with case study review will be used to show how the RT and speech- language pathologist work together to achieve improved quality of life.

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