Respiratory care
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Inspiratory muscle strength has been considered an important marker of ventilatory capacity and a predictor of global performance. A new tool has become available for dynamically evaluating the maximum inspiratory pressure (the S-Index). However, the proper assessment of this parameter needs to be determined. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the number of inspiratory maneuvers necessary to reach a maximum and reliable S-Index and the influence of inspiratory muscle warm-up on this assessment. ⋯ Eight maneuvers were necessary to reach maximum and reliable values of the S-Index preceding inspiratory muscle warm-up or sham. Moreover, inspiratory muscle warm-up preceding S-Index assessment improved inspiratory muscle performance.
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Observational Study
Communication of Career Pathways Through Associate Degree Program Web Sites: A Baseline Assessment.
The American Association for Respiratory Care sponsored a series of conferences that addressed the competency of the future workforce of respiratory therapists (RTs). Based upon the findings from those conferences, several initiatives emerged that support RTs earning a baccalaureate (or bachelor's) degree. The objective of this study was to identify the ways that associate degree programs communicate career pathways toward a baccalaureate degree through their Web sites. ⋯ A minority of associate degree programs communicated career pathway information to their prospective and current students through program Web sites. An informative Web site would make the path more transparent for entry-level students to meet their future educational needs as their careers progress.