Respiratory therapy
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Respiratory therapy · Jul 1982
Avoiding the spread of infection: sterilization procedures in the respiratory therapy department.
The equipment used in respiratory therapy can be the source of serious nosocomial infections unless close attention is given to appropriate sterilization, disinfection, and general measures that come under the heading of good housekeeping. And even the best of these measures will fail if therapists do not observe the cardinal rule of regular hand washing.
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In the past ten years, oxygen concentrators have grown in popularity and in the diversity of available models--but not in size. Miniaturization has been the major trend. Important factors in the choice and evaluation of oxygen concentrators are the size of the unit, concentrations and air flows delivered, reliability, and cost.
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The quality of services provided by respiratory therapists must be measured as part of a hospital's overall evaluation of patient care, as mandated by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Hospitals. An internal audit helps both the respiratory therapists and the attending physicians to know what kind of specific documentation is needed in the medical records to meet the desired standards. It also serves as a useful tool in identifying staff educational needs.
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While there are no standard methods for evaluating the work of respiratory therapists, supervisors agree that periodic evaluation is essential. Some institutions base merit raises or step increase on the results of the yearly appraisal. Others merely want to ensure that respiratory therapists are performing effectively. Methods range from an evaluation form which can be filled out by the supervisor or both the supervisor and the employee to an on-the-job evaluation by hospital personnel.