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Day 3 — Friday, Nov. 22

All times are Eastern Standard Time. 6.73 CRCE available.

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8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. | Room 224C | General

Education Section Meeting

Jennifer Anderson, EdD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC

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Jennifer Anderson

Section members meet to determine their needs and priorities, as well as how to use AARC resources to accomplish them. All Congress attendees, including section nonmembers, are invited to attend and participate.

8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. | Ballroom WE3 | General

Neonatal–Pediatrics Section Meeting

Emilee Lamorena, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS

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Emilee Lamorena

Section members meet to determine their needs and priorities, as well as how to use AARC resources to accomplish them. All Congress attendees, including section nonmembers, are invited to attend and participate.

8:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m. | Room 224A | General

Sleep Section Meeting

Amanda Leightner, PhD, RRT, RRT-SDS, RPSGT, RST, CCSH, FAARC

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Amanda Leightner

Section members meet to determine their needs and priorities, as well as how to use AARC resources to accomplish them. All Congress attendees, including section nonmembers, are invited to attend and participate.

9:10 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Symposium

Clinical Management of ARDS

9:10 a.m.–9:45 a.m. | Ballroom WE4 | Adult Acute Care

Assessing Lung Recruitment Potential at the Bedside Using the R/I Ratio

Thomas Piraino, RRT, FCSRT, FAARC

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Thomas Piraino

The benefits of higher PEEP remain uncertain for patients with ARDS. A possible concern with the use of higher PEEP is the recruitment potential of the patient. This session will discuss various methods for assessing recruitment potential at the bedside, focusing on the recruitment-to-inflation ratio (R/I ratio), including the benefits and limitations of the technique.

9:55 a.m.–10:30 a.m. | Ballroom WE4 | Adult Acute Care

Controlling Respiratory Effort for Safe Ventilation in ARDS

Ewan Goligher, MD, PhD

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Ewan Goligher

Individuals suffering from ARDS often exhibit increased respiratory drive. Utilizing sedation and paralysis may result in diaphragm disuse atrophy, whereas excessive respiratory effort can cause diaphragm injury and contribute to further lung damage. This lecture will discuss methods for controlling respiratory effort for safe ventilation during ARDS.

10:40 a.m.–11:15 a.m. | Ballroom WE4 | Adult Acute Care

Is Reverse Triggering a Major Concern with ARDS Patients?

L. Felipe Damiani, PT, PhD

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L. Felipe Damiani

Reverse triggering is a newly described type of patient-ventilator interaction in which respiratory muscle contractions occur after a passive mechanical insufflation. This lecture will discuss the clinical implications and potential impact of reverse triggering on lung and diaphragm injury.

11:25 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Ballroom WE4 | Adult Acute Care

When to Consider VV-ECMO for ARDS Management

Sara Mirza, MD, MS

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Sara Mirza

VV-ECMO is a crucial intervention for treating ARDS patients, yet it is seldom considered a first-line therapy. This lecture provides an extensive review of the criteria for employing VV-ECMO, including indications for use, selection of appropriate patients, and its influence on patient outcomes.

9:10 a.m.–9:45 a.m. | Room 224C | Clinical Practice

Adding Value in Post Acute Respiratory Care

Timothy Buckley, MSc, RRT, FAARC

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Timothy Buckley

This presentation will highlight the various roles RT can play in the post-acute environment. RTs currently work in acute rehabilitation hospitals, long term acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, home care and other settings. In each of these care settings the RT can play a unique role and add value to the overall care provided. RTs are the experts in providing safe and effective care, education and assessment in these environments. This value-added care improves patient outcomes, decreases costs and prevents untimely readmissions.

9:10 a.m.–9:45 a.m. | Room 240B | Diagnostics

Spirometry and Beyond

Ariel Berlinski, MD, FAAP, FAARC, ATSF

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Ariel Berlinski

Spirometry is used to monitor many respiratory conditions. The value of the test is heavily dependent on its quality. Spirometry is typically done in person and coached by a respiratory therapist. Geography and weather-related conditions can make it difficult for patients to attend in-person visits. This presentation will review how the use of telemedicine and home spirometers can help overcome these limitations.

9:10 a.m.–9:45 a.m.

Symposium

New Professionals

9:10 a.m.–10:30 a.m. | Location 240A | Education

Success on the Therapist Multiple Choice Examination

William Galvin, MSEd, RRT, CPFT, AE-C, FAARC

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Bill Galvin

The presentation will address the factors that make for success in the examination process. It will cover preparatory issues and what you will experience onsite as well as test-taking strategies and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on the new Therapist Multiple-Choice examination (TMC).

9:55 a.m.–10:30 a.m. | Location 240A | Education

Success on the Clinical Simulation Examination

William Galvin, MSEd, RRT, CPFT, AE-C, FAARC

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William Galvin

This presentation will serve as a sequel to the previous one and will address the factors that make for success on the Clinical Simulation Examination. It will cover such issues as exam content, structure, and unique strategies for progressing through a branching logic type of exam.

9:10 a.m.–9:45 a.m. | Ballroom WE3 | Neonatal/Pediatrics

iNO for PARDS: What does the Data Really Show?

CON: Ira Cheifetz, MD, FAARC
PRO: Alex Rotta, MD

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Ira Cheifetz Alex Rotta

Use of inhaled nitric oxide for pediatric acute respiratory syndrome (PARDS) varies between institutions and clinicians. Definitive data is lacking, and interpretation of the available medical literature is inconsistent. In this presentation, two experts in the field of PARDS will actively debate the potential benefits and risks of iNO administration for PARDS. Ample time will be provided to further explore this controversy through an open discussion with the audience.

9:10 a.m.–9:45 a.m. | Room 224A | Sleep Medicine

Impact of Sleep on Chronic Lung Disease

Ashley Barry, MPH, RRT

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Ashley Barry

Poor sleep is associated with decreased quality of life and increased frequency of exacerbations in pulmonary disease. Despite its modifiable nature, sleep is infrequently evaluated to improve pulmonary health. This session will discuss the role that sleep plays in the regulation of the inflammatory cascade and its downstream impact on chronic lung disease. An overview of sleep as a modifiable target for chronic disease management will be discussed.

9:10 a.m.–11:10 a.m. | Location TBA | General

Open Forum Editors’ Choice

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  • Delivery of Continuous Albuterol During Emergency Medical Services Transport — Michael Davis, Little Rock, AR
  • Impact of Ventilator Settings, Nebulizer Placement, Bias Flow, Humidification, and Circuit Adaptor on Aerosol Delivery During Invasive Ventilation — Fai Ali Albuainain, Chicago, IL
  • The Impact of Skin Pigment on Measurement of Noninvasive Hemoglobin — Dina Gomaa, Cincinnati, OH
  • Identifying Patients at Risk for Unplanned Extubation in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit — Cheryl Dominick, Middletown, DE
  • Preliminary Outcomes of High-Risk Opioid, Post-Operative, Orthopedic Patient Home Monitoring: The Impact of Alarm Limit Settings and Audible Alarm Delays — Kim Bennion, Eagle Mountain, UT
  • Effects of Spirometry Race-Neutral Values in a Pediatric Hospital System — Jamie Markham, Wilmington, DE
  • Preventing Endotracheal Tube Device-Related Pressure Injuries: A Practice-Based Approach — Sarah J Bazelak, Milwaukee, WI
  • Administration of Surfactant via Supraglottic Airway — Carolyn J. LaVita, Boston, MA

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

9:55 a.m.–10:30 a.m. | Room 224C | Clinical Practice

The Difficult Towan Patient: Speaking Valve Importance and Effective Use

Samuel Hammerman, MD, MMM

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Samuel Hammerman

Many patients with acute respiratory failure progress to chronic respiratory failure. During this process, placement of a tracheostomy tube is often required to help facilitate the weaning process from mechanical ventilation. As part of this process, tracheostomy decannulation is necessary. Speaking valves are often not included in this process. Speaking valve use has been shown to facilitate weaning, reduce decannulation time, improve swallowing function, reduce aspiration, and improve mobility and quality of life. This session will discuss an evidence-based approach to the use of speaking valves in a patient who has a tracheostomy.

9:55 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Room 240B | Diagnostics

A Look Inside: Assessing Lung Function with Radiology

Sara Mirza, MD, MS

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Sara Mirza

The first thing that comes to mind today when you hear “pulmonary diagnostics” is likely body boxes and telling people to “keep blowing.” However, even current radiologic technology can add context and insight to traditional measurements. This session will cover the current state of using CT scans and other imaging techniques to assess lung function, including evidence to support its use. Attendees will then look into the future of imaging and learn about disruptive new innovations in the way that may reduce our current reliance on technique and coaching to give a more accurate look at someone’s lungs.

9:55 a.m.–10:30 a.m. | Ballroom WE3 | Neonatal/Pediatrics

Development of a Non-Invasive Failure Risk Score

Natalie Napolitano, MPH, RRT-NPS, FAARC

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Natalie Napolitano

The successful use of NIV in children is complicated by patient compliance and interface fit, among other factors. Determining NIV failure is multifactorial, resulting in prolonged use of NIV in the intensive care unit. The development of a novel NIV failure risk score may allow us to make an objective decision on whether to intubate or not.

9:55 a.m.–10:30 a.m. | Room 224A | Sleep Medicine

Metabolism and Sleep Disorders: Impact of Metabolism on Sleep

Jessica Schweller, MS, APRN-CNP, RRT-SDS, CCSH, AE-C

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Jessica Schweller

During sleep, metabolic changes occur to allow for a restful sleep. Sleep disorders can alter such metabolic changes leading to obesity, cardiovascular disease, and other comorbid conditions. Recent advancements in metabolic control of disorders (such as diabetes) can possibly affect underlying sleep disorders. This session will review those metabolic changes that occur with sleep (and sleep disorders) and review the current state of the art regarding the use of GLP-1 agonists for diabetes and weight management and their potential impact on sleep disordered breathing.

10:40 a.m.–11:15 a.m. | Room 224C | Clinical Practice

The Role of the Respiratory Therapist in Long Term Acute Care

Christina Stevens, BS, RRT, RRT-ACCS

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Christina Stevens

Long-term acute care (LTAC) is an option for many patients following their acute care stays. The respiratory therapist plays a vital role in the management of patients in such centers. This includes management of patients with a variety of chronic lung diseases, including the management of mechanical ventilation, interdisciplinary team collaboration, patient education, and quality improvement initiatives participation. This session will focus on the unique roles of the RT in LTAC setting.

10:40 a.m.–11:15 a.m.

Symposium

Sound Insights: Ultrasound for Diaphragm and Lung Assessment

10:40 a.m.–11:15 a.m. | Room 240B | Diagnostics

Ultrasound Assessment of Lungs in Adult Acute Care

Tyler Weiss, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C, FCCP

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Tyler Weiss

Lung ultrasound is a versatile modality that respiratory therapists can employ to enhance the detection of cardiopulmonary anomalies. Its use may prompt the implementation of suitable therapeutic strategies and enable efficient evaluation of therapeutic responses. This presentation will explore the fundamental aspects of ultrasound technology, with a particular emphasis on pleural and lung ultrasound. It will provide an overview of the anatomical structures discernible via ultrasound, a discussion of common ultrasound artifacts and their origins, and instructions on the bedside utilization of this technology for optimized patient care.

11:25 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Room 240B | Diagnostics

Ultrasound Assessment of Diaphragm Function and Dysfunction

Ewan Goligher, MD, PhD

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Ewan Goligher, MD, PhD

During this lecture; discover the power of ultrasound in assessing diaphragm function and dysfunction. Noninvasive techniques for visualizing diaphragm activity, including the zone of apposition and subcostal anterior approaches, and their clinical relevance will be described. This session will also highlight the detection of diaphragmatic changes during mechanical ventilation and offer guidance on interpreting ultrasound findings for diagnosing diaphragm dysfunction.

10:40 a.m.–11:15 a.m. | Ballroom WE3 | Neonatal/Pediatrics

POCUS in the PICU: What the RT Needs to Know!

Luke Burton, MD

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Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is gaining popularity in pediatric critical care to optimize patient assessment and clinical management. POCUS can be utilized across an array of applications including evaluation of the airway, lungs, and diaphragm. Indications for POCUS will be discussed, as well as strategies to integrate POCUS into clinical practice in the PICU.

10:40 a.m.–11:15 a.m. | Room 224A | Sleep Medicine

Inpatient Sleep Screening: Waking Up to An Important Opportunity

Andrew Klein, MS, RRT-ACCS, FCCP

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Andrew Klein

Obstructive sleep apnea and other forms of sleep disordered breathing are becoming more common and are still underdiagnosed. Early recognition and diagnosis of sleep disorders can have a big impact on minimizing more serious health issues. Patients in the hospital present an opportunity to begin the diagnostic process, even while they are being treated for unrelated clinical problems. Respiratory therapists can have a key role in helping to screen and diagnose at risk patients. This lecture will explore the clinical and financial benefits of having sleep screening available in your facility. Steps to start or improve an existing program will also be discussed.

11:25 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Room 224C | Clinical Practice

Accreditation for LTC Ventilator Sites — Moving the Needle on Patient Safety

Gene Gantt, RRT, FAARC

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Gene Gantt

Long-term care ventilator facilities provide specialized care for people with chronic respiratory needs. Current standards of care vary from state to state. The development of accreditation standards for the delivery of care for patients in such care settings should be considered. This session will provide the basis for such a development.

11:25 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Ballroom WE3 | Neonatal/Pediatrics

Volume-Targeted Modes of Mechanical Ventilation in Neonates

Carolyn La Vita, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS

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Carolyn La Vita

Utilization of tidal volume-targeted modalities of ventilation have been well documented in adult critically ill patients. In recent years, volume-targeted ventilation has become more prevalent in neonatal intensive care. Theory of application in neonates, evidence surrounding its use, as well as considerations respiratory therapists must be aware of when using volume-targeted ventilation in this unique population will be discussed.

11:25 a.m.–12:00 p.m. | Room 224A | Sleep Medicine

Enhancing CPAP Adherence with Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)

Kevin Dator, MPH, BSRT, RRT, RRT-SDS, RPSGT, CCSH

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Kevin Dator

Discover the key to unlocking a new era in patient care as Kevin Dator presents a compelling and insightful lecture on the remarkable benefits of Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) in the realm of CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy adherence. This immersive presentation will equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to revolutionize their approach to patient engagement and compliance, leading to enhanced health outcomes and a brighter future in sleep medicine.

12:00 p.m.–1:55 p.m. | Room 230A | Education

Open Forum #8 — Education

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Researchers present the results of their work. Authors briefly present their findings and engage in an open discussion with the attendees.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

12:00 p.m.–1:55 p.m. | Room 230C | Leadership & Mangement

Open Forum #9 — Management

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Researchers present the results of their work. Authors briefly present their findings and engage in an open discussion with the attendees.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

1:05 p.m.–1:50 p.m. | Tangerine Ballroom | General

AARC Annual Flag Folding Ceremony

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An AARC tradition like no other, attend the AARC Flag Folding Ceremony and celebrate the rich tradition of the U.S. Military and Armed Forces. RT veterans and active-duty respiratory therapists, Joe Buhain, EdD, MBA, RRT, FAARC, Michael de Peralta, MBA-HCM, RRT, RCP, Harry Roman, MA, RRT, FAARC, Wadie Williams, MS, RRT, FAARC conduct a moving ceremony as we recognize those who serve, those who have served, and those we have lost.

2:00 p.m.–2:50 p.m. | Tangerine Ballroom | Adult Acute Care

4th Robert M. Kacmarek Scientific Memorial Lecture

Polio, Pandemics and the Birth of Intensive Care

Hannah Wunsch, MD, MSc

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Hannah Wunsch

The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges in intensive care, mechanical ventilation and respiratory care. However, the genesis for intensive care can be traced to the polio epidemic in Copenhagen in 1952. With only a handful of negative pressure ventilators the team at Blegdam hospital turned to a relatively unknown anesthetist, Bjorn Ibsen, who introduced tracheostomy and positive pressure ventilation as the preferred treatment. Students hand ventilated patients for days and the mortality rate plummeted. Dr. Wunsch has exquisitely detailed this story in her book entitled, The Autumn Ghost. The story is fascinating, includes personal stories of the physicians and patients as well as the amazing success of a team of individuals dedicated to solving an unsolvable problem.

Sponsored by Nihon Kohden and Dr. Honglin Du

3:00 p.m.–3:35 p.m. | Ballroom WE4 | Adult Acute Care

Pressure Support Should Not Be Used During Spontaneous Breathing Trials

CON: Thomas Piraino, RRT, FCSRT, FAARC
PRO: Karsten Roberts, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC

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Thomas Piraino Karsten Roberts

This debate will explore the utilization of Pressure Support Ventilation (PSV) compared to not using it during spontaneous breathing trials. The presenters will highlight the literature that supports the use of PSV, noting benefits like enhanced patient comfort and decreased work of breathing, against potential disadvantages, such as the risk of over-assistance and prolonged weaning times. Additionally, patient outcomes and criteria for weaning readiness from mechanical ventilation will be discussed.

3:00 p.m.–3:35 p.m. | Room 224A | Ethics

Ethical Dilemmas in a Respiratory Acute Care Unit: Conversations with RTs

Julie Clements, BA, RRT
Lexi Emerson-Gervais, RRT
Christopher Piccuito, MSEd, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS

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No photo No photo Christopher Piccuito

The Respiratory Care Unit patient population consists of chronically critically ill patients, as well as newly diagnosed neuromuscular and traumatic brain injured patients. All the patients are tracheostomized and are admitted to the unit on a ventilator. The goal is to liberate or adjust ventilator settings as appropriate. Occasionally, there is a discrepancy about the treatment plan and goals between the clinical team and the patient's family. Respiratory Therapists work collaboratively with social workers, physicians and nurse ethicists to create a multidisciplinary approach to navigating goals of care. In this panel discussion, panelists will address case study scenarios that reflect ethical considerations made by the team when there is a discrepancy between the team, patient and family regarding plan of care.

3:00 p.m.–3:35 p.m. | Room 224C | Leadership & Management

Growing your Team with a Career Ladder

Linda Napoli, MBA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RPFT
Dana Stauffer, MS, RRT, RRT-NPS
Jennifer Watts, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, C-NPT, FAARC

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No photo Dana Stauffer Jennifer Watts

This panel presentation will discuss the value of implementing a clinical ladder and provide examples of successful programs at various organizations across the county. Attendees will leave with practical tips to enhance or create their own clinical ladder programs and allow horizontal growth for their team members.

3:00 p.m.–3:35 p.m. | Ballroom WE3 | Neonatal/Pediatrics

RT-Driven Ventilator Liberation in the PICU

Jeremy Loberger, MD

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Jeremy Loberger

Liberation from mechanical ventilation in children is crucial to minimize morbidity in the PICU. Pediatric ventilator liberation guidelines have been established and existing gaps in the evidence identified. Strategies for adoption and implementation will be discussed and current data presented.

3:00 p.m.–5:05 p.m.

Symposium

Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG)

3:00 p.m.–3:35 p.m. | Room 240B | Patient Safety

Pediatric Critical Asthma and O2 Therapy: Transition from Hospital - Home

Michael Hess, MPH, RRT, RPFT
Andrew Miller, MSc, FAARC, FCCM

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Michael Hess Andrew Miller

This presentation will review the new CPGs that pertain to pediatric critical asthma and oxygen therapy when transitioning from hospital to home. The recommendations made, and the level of evidence for the recommendations will be discussed.

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Room 240B | Adult Acute Care

Pulse Oximetry and Noninvasive Ventilation

Maria Madden, RRT, RRT-ACCS
Jacklyn Grimball, RRT, AE-C, FAARC

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Maria Madden Jacklyn Grimball

This presentation will review the new CPGs that pertain to pulse oximetry and noninvasive ventilation. The recommendations made, and the level of evidence for the recommendations will be discussed.

4:30 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Room 240B | Adult Acute Care

Patient-Ventilator Assessments and Spontaneous Breathing Trials

Lynda Goodfellow, EdD, RRT, FAARC
Karsten Roberts, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, FAARC

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Lynda Goodfellow Karsten Roberts

This presentation will review the new CPGs that pertain to patient-ventilator assessments and spontaneous breathing trials. The recommendations made, and the level of evidence for the recommendations will be discussed.

3:10 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Room 230A | Clinical Practice

Open Forum Walk Rounds #4

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Researchers present the results of their work. Authors briefly present their findings and engage in an open discussion with the attendees.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

3:10 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Room 230C | Clinical Practice

Open Forum Walk Rounds #5

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Researchers present the results of their work. Authors briefly present their findings and engage in an open discussion with the attendees.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Ballroom WE4 | Adult Acute Care

Aerosol Delivery During Mechanical Ventilation: Exploring Recent Advances

Jie Li, PhD, RRT, RRT-ACCS, RRT-NPS, FAARC, FCCM

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Jie Li

Aerosol delivery during mechanical ventilation is complex and has been shaped by numerous factors. Clinicians and researchers have worked diligently to improve aerosol delivery, focusing on the types and placements of aerosol generators, the effects of humidification, and the influence of ventilator settings. Recent in vitro and clinical studies have shown varied results regarding the role of humidification and ventilator settings on aerosol delivery. This presentation will delve into these recent findings, discussing the implications of the latest consensus and aiming to enhance understanding of optimizing aerosol delivery in mechanical ventilation based on current evidence.

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Room 224A | Leadership & Management

Strategies to Reduce Respiratory Device-Related Pressure Injuries

Sarah Bazelak, MSc, RRT, RRT-ACCS, AE-C

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Sarah Bazelak
AARC Congress Speaker Academy logo

This presentation will provide an overview of pressure injuries, risk factors to potentiate skin integrity concerns, and strategies that all RTs can employ to reduce skin impact from respiratory devices. In the ever-changing healthcare environment this is increasingly important for patient safety, value-based care models, and CMS reimbursement.

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Room 224C | Leadership & Management

Framing Employee Retention from a Systems Thinking Approach

Jerin Juby, DMgt, RRT

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Jerin Juby

Retention of respiratory therapists has been a challenging issue within healthcare. Current and prevailing approaches and strategies for staff retention are analytical and linear. In this presentation, the challenge of respiratory therapy staff retention is formulated as a complex systems problem and identifies differences in understanding that emerge compared to the prevailing analytic approach of problem formulation.

3:45 p.m.–4:20 p.m. | Ballroom WE3 | Neonatal/Pediatrics

Predicting Difficult Intubation and Post-Extubation Stridor with POCUS

Luke Burton, MD

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Airway management is a critical aspect of patient care in the PICU. Utilizing Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to perform immediate airway assessment is feasible in pediatric patients. Traditional methods for evaluating airway anatomy and predicting complications during intubation and post-extubation have limitations and yield mixed results. Airway POCUS is a non-invasive approach to assessing anatomy, identifying challenges, and predicting difficult intubation and those at risk for post-extubation stridor.

4:30 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Ballroom WE4 | Clinical Practice

The Gift of Life: Exploring the World of Donor Organ Procurement

Jessica Foreman-Starks, MSRC, RRT

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Jessica Foreman-Starks
AARC Congress Speaker Academy logo

Organ procurement coordination is a highly rewarding but often unknown subspecialty of respiratory care, even though the unique expertise of respiratory therapists makes them especially qualified to excel in this role. Through an RT’s deep understanding of the cardiopulmonary system and its impact on other organ systems, RTs have the potential to greatly improve rates of successful transplantation of not only lungs but all organs. This lecture aims to introduce RTs to the specialized world of donor organ procurement, and the multiple potential roles of the RT in this process.

4:30 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Room 224C | Leadership & Management

Supporting Neurodiverse Colleagues, Staff and Patients

Gabrielle Davis, MPH, MA, RRT, RRT-NPS, RRT-ACCS, TTS, LPC, NCC

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Gabrielle Davis

Discussions surrounding neurodiversity have gained momentum in recent years, despite the longstanding existence of this diverse population. This session is designed to introduce respiratory therapists and leaders to innovative concepts, shedding light on unfamiliar aspects. It will explore strategies for dismantling barriers and creating opportunities, fostering a framework for delivering affirming and equitable care.

4:30 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Ballroom WE3 | Neonatal/Pediatrics

Spontaneous Breathing Trials in Neo/Peds

Ira Cheifetz, MD, FAARC
Jeremy Loberger, MD
Julia Krzyzewski RRT, RRT-NPS

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Ira Cheifetz Jeremy Loberger TBA

Spontaneous breath trials (SBTs) have become a standard in the adult ICU; however, neonatal/pediatrics patients do not always follow the same guidelines as adults. This panel will discuss the implications of SBTs to assess extubation readiness in their respective ICUs: PICU vs. CICU vs. NICU and considerations unique to each patient population.

4:30 p.m.–5:05 p.m. | Room 224A | Patient Safety

The High Cost of Disruptive Behaviors in Healthcare & The Collateral Damage

Kevin McQueen, MHA, RRT, RRT-ACCS, CPPS, FAARC

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Kevin McQueen

The presentation will outline the different types of disruptive behaviors, who commonly display the behaviors, and contributing factors. The discussion will also provide suggestions on how to deal with disruptive behavior being done by healthcare workers within an institution. Disruptive behaviors remain one of the most difficult issues facing healthcare organizations. Failure to properly address the actions by a small few can severely impact an organization's patient safety, staff morale, and employee turnover.

6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. | Tangerine Ballroom | General

Annual Sputum Bowl Finals

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Since 1978, the Sputum Bowl has been a cornerstone of our annual Congress meetings. Join us to witness teams from across the U.S. vie for the prestigious prize and the ultimate bragging rights. It’s a thrilling event to both participate in and witness!

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