AARC Clinical Practice Guideline: Management of Adult Patients with Tracheostomy in the Acute Care Setting.

Management of patients with a tracheostomy tube includes many components of care provided by clinicians from various health care disciplines. In recent years, clinicians worldwide have demonstrated a renewed interest in the management of patients with tracheostomy due to the recognition that more effective and efficient management of this patient population is necessary to decrease morbidity and mortality and to optimize the value of the procedure. Commensurate with the goal of enhancing the care of patients with tracheostomy, we conducted a systematic review to facilitate the development of recommendations relevant to the care of adult patients with tracheostomy in the acute care setting.

Predicting Respiratory Therapists' Intentions to Use the Modified Early Warning Score by Using an Enhanced Technology Acceptance Model.

Background: The modified early warning score (MEWS) is used to detect early clinical deterioration and to escalate care as needed. Respiratory therapists (RTs) usually do not use the MEWS even when it is implemented as a default in the electronic health record system. This study explored whether the technology acceptance model could predict the intentions of RTs to use the MEWS.

Perspectives From COPD Subjects on Portable Long-Term Oxygen Therapy Devices.

Background: Oxygen therapy for patients with COPD and severe hypoxemia requires the use of oxygen delivery devices that allow mobility as needed. However, the characteristics of some devices may limit the freedom of individuals to be as physically active as they desire. Limited mobility may negatively affect the perceived quality of life of individuals with COPD.

Perceived Satisfaction With Long-Term Oxygen Delivery Devices Affects Perceived Mobility and Quality of Life of Oxygen-Dependent Individuals With COPD.

Background: Although routine physical activity for individuals with COPD is recommended, there are inherent limitations of available oxygen delivery devices that may result in hypoxemia during activity. Changes in Medicare laws have resulted in an increased use of oxygen cylinders and a reduction in the use of liquid oxygen devices. The aim of this survey was to assess the impact of perceived satisfaction with various oxygen delivery devices on perceived mobility and quality of life (QOL) of oxygen-dependent subjects with COPD.

Respiratory care informatics and the practice of respiratory care.

Recently I reported the results of a study that was conducted to determine how respiratory care information is managed and processed in respiratory care departments. Data obtained from the respiratory care departments surveyed indicated that their information systems (paper-based or automated) do not manage and process respiratory care information effectively or efficiently. Since the goal of an information system is to improve delivery of services, any useful information system must mirror business processes (or professional activities) to achieve that goal.

Management and processing of respiratory care information in respiratory care departments.

Background: Though much research has been done to determine best practice and to examine the role of evidence-based guidelines and respiratory therapist (RT) driven protocols in enhancing patient care and reducing health care costs, very little attention has been paid to how respiratory care information is managed and processed.

Objective: To examine information systems currently used in respiratory care departments to determine if they are effective and efficient in managing and processing respiratory care information.

Methods: To 50 RTs at 16 respiratory therapy departments in New York, Houston, and Miami, we distributed questionnaires designed to determine the strengths, weaknesses, and usefulness of existing respiratory care information systems.