About Aerosol Therapy
Aerosol therapy is considered to be one of the cornerstones in the management and treatment of chronic respiratory disease and exemplifies the nuances of both the art and science of 21st century medicine. As chronic respiratory disease continues to grow in prevalence and consume a large portion of healthcare dollars, an explicit understanding of the science of aerosol therapy, the nuances of the different delivery devices, and the ability to provide accurate and reliable education to patients has become increasingly important.
The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) has acknowledged these simplistic but difficult objectives for many years as part of the core scope of clinical practice for respiratory therapists. Several years ago, the strategic decision was made to develop a comprehensive set of aerosol delivery device guidelines to help achieve these objectives with clinicians and patients alike. Now in their updated and revised editions, the AARC is proud to present the following three aerosol guides.
A Guide to Aerosol Delivery Devices for the Respiratory Therapist — 4th Edition
CRCE: 6 hours | Cost: Free for AARC members, $15 for non-members
Respiratory therapists are the only health care providers who receive extensive formal education and who are tested for competency in aerosol therapy. The RT’s ability to serve patients with acute chronic respiratory disease as the expert in aerosol therapy allows the concept of “art” and “science” to take on a practical reality.
Mastery of both the art and science of aerosol delivery can have a profound impact on appropriately matching medications and delivery devices to optimize your patients’ clinical outcomes. The fourth edition of this Aerosol Guide delivers detailed and comprehensive information that, when combined with your dedication and commitment to be the professional experts in this important area, will empower you to provide guidance to your physician, nurse, and pharmacist colleagues—but, most importantly, to your patients. Free downloadable guides available.
Supported with an educational grant from:
Pulmonary Disease Aerosol Delivery Devices; A Guide for Physicians, Nurses, Pharmacists, and Other Health Care Professionals — 3rd Edition
This guide was developed to provide the non-respiratory therapist a comprehensive, step-by-step application for aerosol delivery devices utilized with patients who have chronic respiratory diseases. Currently there are three basic types of delivery systems, which include nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers, and dry-powder inhalers. All three have their own specific characteristics and delivery capabilities. Adequate patient education and self-management, in addition to matching the correct device to the patient, will increase patients’ chances for better adherence to therapy and outcomes over the long run. Free downloadable guides available.
Supported with an educational grant from:
A Patient’s Guide to Aerosol Drug Delivery — 3rd Edition
Gaining all the information about your aerosol delivery devices is essential for good self-management of your chronic respiratory disease. Obtaining the third edition of “A Patient’s Guide to Aerosol Drug Delivery” is a good first step in that process. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) commissioned respiratory therapists who were noted aerosol delivery experts to prepare this guide, and it was written with the patient in mind.
As you know, the number of medications and the devices that deliver aerosol therapy change seemingly on a daily basis. That is why it is important for you to understand the critical differences between these devices and, more importantly, how to use them correctly so that you can maximize the intended results delivered by the medications. The AARC encourages you to become proficient in the use of your aerosol delivery devices. Never hesitate to ask questions of your physician or respiratory therapist. We hope that patients and caregivers alike find this resource informative and invaluable. Free downloadable guides available.
Supported with an educational grant from:
