In this episode of RTMatters, we’re joined by Kellianne Fleming, Director of Pulmonary Services at Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin and Interim Executive Director of Froedtert Bluemound Rehabilitation Hospital. Kellianne, also the lead author of the influential article "Optimizing Respiratory Therapy Resources by De-Implementing Low-Value Care" from the May 2023 edition of RESPIRATORY CARE, discusses her team’s journey to eliminate a non-evidence-based respiratory care procedure.

Kellianne walks us through the process of addressing a problematic physician order set, the challenges of insufficient staffing, and the negative impacts on patient safety. She dives into the concept of confirmation bias and how it can hinder innovation in healthcare, while also explaining how peer-reviewed data was used to demonstrate the lack of efficacy for aerosolized medications in treating secretion retention.

Learn how Froedtert tackled this issue hospital-wide through a quality improvement initiative, the importance of having an engaged medical director, and the positive outcomes for both RT staff and patients. This episode also explores how this success serves as a model for evaluating and improving other low-value respiratory care procedures.

For more information, and to submit questions and feedback, email us at [email protected].

#RTMatters #LowValueCare #RespiratoryTherapists #PatientSafety #HealthcareInnovation #RespiratoryCare #QualityImprovement #EvidenceBasedCare

In this episode of RTMatters, we’re joined by Wendy Fascia, Manager of Respiratory Care, EEG, and ECMO Programs at Crouse Health in Syracuse, NY, and a founding member of the Lung Partners Program. Wendy discusses the gaps in COPD continuing care and how the Lung Partners program at Crouse Health is addressing them.

Lung Partners is an innovative COPD disease management program where respiratory therapists (RTs) play a central role in the care of COPD patients from admission to discharge. Wendy highlights how RTs ensure correct treatment orders, facilitate spirometry for accurate diagnosis, and provide ongoing support for smoking cessation and inhaler technique. The program’s collaborative approach ensures continuity of care by sharing information with physicians and community providers.

Tune in to learn more about how Lung Partners is improving COPD care and the essential role RTs play in managing this chronic disease.

For more information, and to submit questions and feedback, email us at [email protected].

#RTMatters #COPD #RespiratoryTherapists #LungPartners #ContinuityOfCare #HealthcareInnovation #SmokingCessation #ChronicCareManagement

In this episode of RTMatters, we’re joined by Ed Coombs, Senior Director of Marketing (Clinical Affairs & Intensive Care) at Draeger, Inc., to explore why some respiratory therapists, including recent grads and seasoned professionals, feel that respiratory therapy is not a viable long-term career. A key theme of this episode is combating the feeling of being under-appreciated and the frustration of not being able to practice at the top of one's licensed scope.

Ed offers valuable insights on how success in any career - especially RTs - depends on the commitment to growth. He discusses the various career paths available to RTs and emphasizes the importance of mentorship and continuous education. Many higher-level positions in respiratory therapy require more than just an associate degree, and Ed talks about available online programs and financial support for degree advancement.

We also tackle the topic of "quiet quitting" - simply going through the motions without engaging fully - and why it’s crucial to avoid this mindset. Instead, Ed encourages RTs to re-invest in themselves and their careers, urging them to view their time and experience in the field as a foundation for future growth.

If you’ve ever wondered whether respiratory therapy can be a sustainable long-term career, this episode is a must-listen!

For more information, and to submit questions and feedback, email us at [email protected].

Welcome to the inaugural episode of RTMatters, a podcast dedicated to the respiratory therapy community! Hosted by Patrick Dunne, this first episode sets the stage for candid conversations about what matters most to respiratory therapists.

In this episode, Patrick discusses the challenges facing the profession today, including staffing shortages, increased workloads, and the need for work-life balance. He also highlights the importance of recognizing the true value of respiratory therapists in healthcare, especially in critical care settings.

RTMatters aims to provide a platform for RTs to share their stories, discuss career paths, and explore ways to navigate the demands of the profession. You’ll hear from a variety of guests who will share their own journeys and offer insights into overcoming professional challenges.

Join us as we begin this journey to support, inspire, and uplift respiratory therapists everywhere!

🔗 Visit our website: www.rtmatters.com

#RTMatters #RespiratoryTherapists #Healthcare #RTCommunity #WorkLifeBalance #RespiratoryCare #CriticalCare