Resp Care
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
AccuO2 oximetry-driven oxygen-conserving device versus fixed-dose oxygen devices in stable COPD patients.
Because standard home oxygen (O2) systems deliver O2 at fixed rates, these systems are not designed to ensure optimal oxygen delivery based on physiologic need. We tested the ability of the AccuO2 (OptiSat Medical, Minneapolis, Minnesota), a portable, closed-loop, oximetry-driven, O2-conserving device to maintain SpO2 at ≥ 90%, compared to continuous-flow oxygen and a standard O2-conserving device (CR-50, Puritan-Bennett, Pleasanton, California). ⋯ Compared to continuous-flow O2 or the CR-50, the AccuO2 maintained SpO2 closer to the target, and AccuO2 had a higher conservation ratio than CR-50.
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As background for the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) third 2015 and Beyond conference, we sought information and opinions on the ability of the current respiratory therapy education infrastructure to make changes that would assure competent respiratory therapists in the envisioned healthcare future. ⋯ There are important differences between the baccalaureate-degree and associate-degree programs.
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Use of inhalers requires accurate completion of multiple steps to ensure effective medication delivery. ⋯ Despite differences in Jordan's and Australia's health systems, pharmacists from both Australia and Jordan had difficulty with the same Diskus and Turbuhaler steps. In both countries, the errors made by the asthma patients were similar to those made by the pharmacists.