Respiratory care
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparative study of 3 portable oxygen concentrators during a 6-minute walk test in patients with chronic lung disease.
The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of 3 portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) to maintain S(pO2) ≥ 90% during exercise in patients with chronic lung disease. ⋯ The Eclipse 3 was best at meeting the subjects' clinical needs. POC users should be appropriately tested during all activities of daily living, to ensure adequate oxygenation. The healthcare provider should provide information and help to direct the subject toward the most clinically appropriate oxygen system, while being mindful of the patient's preferences and lifestyle. (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01653730).
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As defined by the American Association for Respiratory Care, respiratory care protocols are "guidelines, usually written in algorithmic form, for providing respiratory therapy services." The need for protocols has been framed by the frequent occurrence of misallocation of respiratory care, consisting both of over-ordering (ie, prescribing respiratory care that is unlikely to confer benefit) and under-ordering services (ie, failing to prescribe services that would be expected to offer benefit). In this context, the current paper reviews available studies regarding the effectiveness of respiratory care protocols. Such studies can be organized into those assessing respiratory care treatments in the ICU, and those addressing non-ICU respiratory care. ⋯ Furthermore, 2 concordant randomized controlled trials have shown that comprehensive respiratory care protocol programs can enhance the allocation of respiratory care services, with concomitant savings and no excess adverse outcomes. Overall, while the overwhelming weight of available evidence supports the effectiveness of respiratory care protocols, gaps in current understanding remain, especially regarding settings outside the acute care hospital (eg, geriatric care, palliative care, and extended care facilities). In the same spirit that engendered the Sugarloaf Conference to assess the effectiveness of respiratory care, further assessment of the effectiveness of respiratory care protocols is encouraged and expected.
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Little is known about the incidence of and risk factors for adverse effects from endotracheal suctioning. We studied the incidence and risk factors, and evaluated the effect of suctioning practice guidelines. ⋯ Endotracheal suctioning frequently induces adverse effects. Technique, suctioning frequency, and higher PEEP are risk factors for complications. Their incidence can be reduced by the implementation of suctioning guidelines.