RTMatters

RTMatters 008 | Advancing Respiratory Therapy Careers with Dr. Brian Walsh

In this episode of RTMatters, Dr. Brian Walsh, PhD, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, RPFT, FAARC, shares his journey in respiratory therapy and explores the many pathways for career advancement in the profession.

From specialty credentials to the emerging role of the Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT), Dr. Walsh highlights the value of formal education, networking, and degree advancement programs.

The discussion also dives into UTMB’s Master of Science in Respiratory Therapy (MSRT) programs, including the entry-to-practice option and the fully online degree advancement program with tracks in Administrative Leadership, Educational Leadership, and Research Leadership.

Feedback? Questions? Submit them here: feedback@rtmatters.com

#RTMatters #RespiratoryTherapists #ProfessionalDevelopment #HealthcareLeadership #QualityImprovement #PatientSafety #HumanFactors #RTCareerGrowth #RespiratoryCare

RTMatters – Episode 007 | Expanding Roles and Professional Development for RTs

In this episode, we’re joined by Kevin McQueen, MHA, RRT-ACCS, CPPS, FAARC, System Lead Director of Respiratory Care at the University of Colorado Health System. Kevin shares his career journey in respiratory therapy, including his military service, education, and leadership roles in professional societies.

The conversation explores the evolving role of respiratory therapists in healthcare, highlighting the expanding scope of practice being considered by various state licensing boards. Kevin emphasizes the value of specialty credentials, continuous professional development, and the opportunities for RTs to engage in peripheral areas of healthcare such as quality improvement, patient safety, risk management, and human factors.

Tune in to hear insights on advancing your career, broadening your professional skill set, and embracing the growing opportunities available to respiratory therapists today.

Remember, send in your questions or feedback to feedback@rtmatters.com

#RTMatters #RespiratoryTherapists #ProfessionalDevelopment #HealthcareLeadership #QualityImprovement #PatientSafety #HumanFactors #RTCareerGrowth #RespiratoryCare

RTMatters – Episode 006 | The Role of Clinical Research in Respiratory Therapy

Remember, send in your questions or feedback to feedback@rtmatters.com

In this episode of RTMatters, we’re joined by Dr. Robert Joyner, PhD, RRT-ACCS, FAARC, Director of the TidalHealth Richard A. Henson Research Institute in Salisbury, MD. With years of experience directing and coordinating clinical research studies, Bob shares valuable insights into the importance of basing respiratory therapy practices on strong clinical evidence—especially as the healthcare system transitions to value-based care.

Bob and host Patrick Dunne explore how respiratory therapists can advocate for evidence-based protocols within hospital committees and work alongside physician leaders to improve patient care. They dive into the hierarchy of clinical research evidence, from expert opinion to prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and the critical role of eliminating bias and peer review in ensuring the credibility of research.

Bob also discusses the different types of clinical research reviews—systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and scoping reviews—and addresses why many RTs are hesitant to engage in research. Despite the initial challenges, Bob emphasizes that research becomes more manageable with practice and can be incredibly rewarding.

The episode concludes with a brief discussion on the potential impact of A.I. in healthcare, particularly in RT practice, with plans to explore this further in future episodes.

#RTMatters #ClinicalResearch #EvidenceBasedCare #RespiratoryTherapists #HealthcareInnovation #ResearchInRespiratoryCare #ValueBasedCare #AInHealthcare #RandomizedControlledTrials #EvidenceBasedPractice

RTMatters – Episode 005 | The Impact of A.I. on RT Practice (Part 1)

In this first part of a multi-episode series, we delve into the growing role of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in respiratory therapy practice. While A.I. has seamlessly integrated into our personal lives through technologies like Siri, Alexa, and navigation apps, its introduction into the workplace—especially healthcare—has raised concerns about clinical efficacy, patient safety, and job security.

In this episode, we introduce the basics of A.I., explaining how it works and why it’s being called the "eventual inevitability" in respiratory care. While A.I. in healthcare can feel intimidating, we aim to address the fears and misconceptions surrounding this technology. As A.I. continues to make its mark on respiratory care, this is just the beginning of an ongoing conversation that will explore its impact, benefits, and challenges in future episodes.

Join us for this insightful discussion and stay tuned for more on A.I. in respiratory care.

We want to hear from you! Write in with your questions or episode topic suggestions at feedback@rtmatters.com

#RTMatters #ArtificialIntelligence #RespiratoryTherapists #HealthcareInnovation #AIinHealthcare #RespiratoryCare #ClinicalEfficacy #PatientSafety

RTMatters – Episode 004 | De-Implementing Low-value Respiratory Care

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 feedback@rtmatters.com.

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

RTMatters – Episode 003 | Addressing the Gaps in Outpatient COPD Care

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 feedback@rtmatters.com.

 

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

RTMatters – Episode 002 | RT is NOT a Dead-end Career

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 feedback@rtmatters.com.

RTMatters – Episode 001 | Introducing the Podcast

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