Respiratory therapy
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Microcomputers are widely available in schools of respiratory therapy and in hospital respiratory therapy departments and are influencing this and other areas of health science education in a major way. Computer-assisted instruction is a versatile, efficient means of providing content expertise in both settings.
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Hand-held computers provide a reasonable alternative to desk-top computers in critical care units because of their size and affordability. The applications described include specific examples of software to perform hemodynamic calculations, intravenous flow rate calculations, and respiratory calculations. This software has been used for several years and has been found to be very useful.
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Quality control and proficiency testing are well recognized as means for evaluating equipment accuracy and technical proficiency use of spirometry in physicians' offices, clinics, and industry has brought attention to the need for standardization of calibration and testing techniques in pulmonary function testing. Minimum specifications for equipment accuracy provide the basis for consistency of interlaboratory measurements, and familiarity with operation, calibration, and maintenance procedures enhances personnel proficiency.
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Respiratory therapy · Sep 1984
Ventilatory and nonventilatory muscle exercise in COPD rehabilitation.
For maximum benefit, a rehabilitation program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should include both ventilatory and nonventilatory muscle exercise. The 12-week, outpatient program at Malden (Mass) Hospital incorporates whole-body exercise (walking), inspiratory resistive loading, and use of supplemental oxygen. ⋯ A cardiopulmonary exercise test, 12-minute walk, and endurance test provide the before and after rehabilitation testing protocol. Such a program can be implemented at a community hospital where most patients with COPD have their greatest access to medical care.