Chronic critical illness affects a significant number of patients following their acute illness. Many of these patients require long term recovery, often needing mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy. Respiratory care professionals play an integral role in this recovery process. This session will focus on the use of long-term acute care hospitals in this process and using a best practices approach for management of patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation with emphasis on weaning techniques.

Chronic respiratory failure affects a significant number of patients following their acute illness. Many of these patients require long term recovery and often require a tracheostomy. Respiratory care professionals play an integral role in this recovery process. This session will focus on the use of long-term acute care hospitals in this process with best practices for management of a patient with a tracheostomy.

Value-based care in respiratory encompasses helping patients limit the negative effects of chronic pulmonary disease and live healthier lives, utilizing evidence-based practice. From home NIPPV to oxygen, this lecture will review the evidence of use in chronic disease and provide guidance on how bedside RTs and RT Case Managers can make recommendations based on the patients’ needs and what is necessary to access this equipment to support safe disease management at home. We will also review insurance authorization requirements and the necessary diagnostic criteria to gain access to home equipment!

Innovation in health care has never been more needed. Integration of artificial intelligence and remote patient monitoring are two innovative processes that are being used to provide more personalized care for patients with COPD and asthma. Preliminary outcomes of one organization's study of this integration will be presented, including protocol pathway creation, securing of grant funding, and developing key deliverables.

Post-intensive care syndrome results in a myriad of symptoms and problems that have to be addressed by a multiprofessional team. Long-COVID represents a particularly difficult syndrome, a variant of post-ICU syndrome that impacts patients with both severe and mild primary disease. Recognition of the problem, empathy for the patients, and novel medical care can help reduce the burden of Long-COVID.

Oxygen administration in acute care settings is often transitioned to the home for many chronic lung patients. The evidence reviewed included the appropriate oxygen device(s) needed in the home, environmental home evaluations, patient and caregiver education before and after transitioning, and outcomes desired by patients for care, comfort, quality of life, and activities outside the home while using oxygen. The literature review and evidence will be discussed, with an eye toward what is needed to ensure a smooth transition.

RTs are invaluable resources for the care and management of patients in the post-acute home care settings. Caring for patients with a chronic tracheostomy (both adults and children) is one way RTs can add such value. The needs of such patients (including the appropriate use of equipment) must be considered in the evaluation and management process.