Respiratory care
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This study explores the differences among smokers of waterpipe tobacco in a college population to better inform campaigns to curb waterpipe use. ⋯ Young adult college students continue to engage in waterpipe tobacco smoking at high rates. Campaigns need to focus on subsets of smokers and nonsmokers, independently.
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This study was conducted to determine the incidence of and risk factors associated with the development of radiographic mastoid and middle ear effusions (ME/MEE) in ICU patients. ⋯ Radiographic ME/MEE was identified in 10.3% of ICU subjects and should be considered especially in patients with prolonged stay, presence of an endotracheal tube or nasogastric tube, and concomitant sinusitis. ME/MEE is a potential source of fever and sensory impairment that may contribute to delirium and perceived depressed consciousness in ICU patients.
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Observational Study
Daily Goals Formulation and Enhanced Visualization of Mechanical Ventilation Variance Improves Mechanical Ventilation Score.
The systematic implementation of evidence-based practice through the use of guidelines, checklists, and protocols mitigates the risks associated with mechanical ventilation, yet variation in practice remains prevalent. Recent advances in software and hardware have allowed for the development and deployment of an enhanced visualization tool that identifies mechanical ventilation goal variance. Our aim was to assess the utility of daily goal establishment and a computer-aided visualization of variance. ⋯ Daily goal formation and computer-enhanced visualization of mechanical ventilation variance were associated with an improvement in goal attainment by evidence of an improved mechanical ventilation score. Further research is needed to determine whether improvements in mechanical ventilation score through a targeted, process-oriented intervention will lead to improved patient outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration NCT02184208.).
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In the current health-care environment, respiratory care may need to make significant changes to academic preparation and clinical practice. The purpose of this research was to assess current needs of respiratory therapists (RTs) in New York State and to understand how RTs perceive their future clinical and academic roles. ⋯ These data are useful to the profession, notably for academic programs that must meet the need for a more highly prepared and skilled workforce. The findings emphasize that viability of the profession in the current health-care environment calls for the evolution of a more autonomous RT who can be reimbursed for services and obtain salaries that are competitive with other health professions.
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Timely monitoring of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) therapy can be a challenge amid conflicting pressures of rising patient volume and shortage of sleep medicine providers. Positive airway pressure (PAP) devices with wireless modem technology have the potential to improve patient access to care and streamline work load, yet little is known about patient attitudes toward telehealth integration among veterans with sleep apnea. As part of a larger quality improvement initiative at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Puget Sound Health Care System, we elicited veterans' preferences toward modem versus traditional PAP data download, including patient attitudes and factors affecting those preferences. ⋯ PAP data download preferences were mixed among new veteran users. Veterans placed a high value on the potentially competing concerns of convenience and information privacy. Veterans preferring modem factored convenience as important in their decision making, independent of privacy concerns.