Iowa Respiratory Therapy Continuing Education

So far as is known, all primitive and civilized societies have suffered diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms. Frequently, the results have been disastrous. One of several microbial candidates believed to have great potential as a biological weapon is the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, the cause of the infection anthrax. the threat of bioterrorism has brought anthrax beyond the point of scientific inquiry and has created new challenges for medical and public health professionals. This course presents the currently known properties of Bacillus anthracis and the understanding of the pathogenesis, approaches to diagnosis, prevention and control measures, and treatment of anthrax. Consideration also is given to selected aspects of bioweapons and features of bioterrorism.

VIDEO COURSE - This course highlights the best in asthma research scholarship, featuring: an award-winning regional asthma management program; a program funded by the American Lung Association focusing on asthma and weight management intervention for overweight and obese children with asthma and their guardian(s); and a lively, evidence-based online asthma education program. The leader of each initiative, ranging from a respiratory therapist to a pediatric psychologist, walks you through their research and findings in this group presentation.

VIDEO COURSE - Led by Dr. Sunil Joshi at the Association of Asthma Educators Conference in August of 2016, this presentation educates respiratory therapists and other health care professionals working with asthmatic patients on the topic of stepping down medication. When to step down, reasons why to step down, and reasons why not to step down are covered. Also addressed is how to step down as well as the controversies surrounding this complex topic without any single "one-size-fits-all" approach.

VIDEO COURSE - Led by Dr. Xan Nowakowski at the Association of Asthma Educators Conference in August of 2016, this interactive presentation educates respiratory therapists and other health professionals working with asthma patients on the topic of quality improvement (QI) relating specifically to asthma. By engaging the audience to talk about what they have done to improve the quality of care or access to care for people with asthma, concrete ideas emerge. Learning from and building upon real world successes from other health care providers promotes idea sharing of how to implement more integrative, coordinated, community-engaged approaches to care reform.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation is a continuing education course designed to provide current information on COPD patients and pulmonary rehabilitation. Key topics in this course include: goals of pulmonary rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation program and setting, admission criteria, initial patient evaluation, exercise testing, 6-minute walk test, breathing techniques and chest physical therapy, psychosocial measures, nutritional interventions, collaborative self-management and patient centered, cross-continuum disease management. Pre- and post tests are provided for outcome assessment. A list of current references is available for further reading.

This intermediate-level course provides advanced respiratory care practitioners with up-to-date continuing education on the pathophysiologic processes, clinical findings, diagnoses, etiologic factors, and current trends in the management of pulmonary edema.

Respiratory therapists are responsible for the assessment and treatment of all cardiopulmonary patients. The purpose of this course is to present the concepts and issues related to patient safety and medical errors, as well as to explore the changes that are necessary for the development of a culture of safety. The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) assesses the respiratory therapist's knowledge of nationally recognized patient safety concepts as part of the credentialing exams. Upon completion of this course, the participants will demonstrate an increased level of knowledge surrounding patient safety and medical errors, providing applicable knowledge to the clinical setting.

This intermediate-level course offers respiratory therapists and other healthcare providers a review of detailed arterial blood gas (ABG) interpretation and various physiological processes essential for acid-base regulation including basic chemistry, lung function, hemodynamics and renal function.

This intermediate level course offers respiratory therapists an overview of current polysomnography scoring guidelines as they relate to common sleep disorders. The basic anatomy and physiology of sleep as well as pathophysiology and intervention of sleep disorders are also discussed.

This intermediate-level course begins with a history of tobacco, its availability, and the health effects of tobacco products, then progresses to a detailed discussion on the key aspects of e-cigarettes. The main goal of this course is to provide factual information on tobacco as well as the development, features, use, and positive and negative health effects of e-cigarettes. At the end of this course, clinicians will be able to compare the harms and benefits of tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

This advanced-level course is designed for the respiratory therapist with a desire to learn more about the development of the fetus, changes that occur during or shortly after birth, and how to assess and treat the newborn. This course starts with the development of the lungs, discussing the stages of development and lung growth, fetal lung fluid, and, of vital importance, surfactant. Lung development and fetal circulation are also covered. Fetal circulation is unique, with three shunts to aid in fetal development. During and shortly after delivery, many changes must occur to allow the neonate to smoothly transition to the outside world. It is important to know whether the fetus or mother is at risk for developing problems after birth in order to anticipate such issues.

The purpose of this intermediate-level review course is to provide respiratory therapists with an overview of the definition, etiology, pathophysiology, and management of common neuromuscular disorders. A detailed discussion is provided for the 3 main neuromuscular disorders - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and Myasthenia gravis. Other neuromuscular disorders included in this course are polio, muscular dystrophies, myopathies, and multiple sclerosis.

This course presents an overview of lung cancer and updated information for respiratory therapists who work with people at risk for or those diagnosed with lung cancer. In addition, because lung cancer can be a chronic illness, many lung cancer survivors continue to need health care. Lung cancer research continues to focus on prevention, early screening methods, and more effective targeted treatments to improve outcomes and decrease the adverse effects of treatments. Rapid changes in cancer care make it imperative to have current information about prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Oncology-related resources for patients, families, and clinicians are also included.

This intermediate course is designed for respiratory therapists who may encounter infectious diseases related to domestic and international travel. It begins with a discussion of human migration and the spread of diseases, including contributing factors to the spread of infectious diseases. The course then focuses on specific bacterial, viral, fungal, helminth, and other types of infections and diseases, including causes, transmission, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control that may affect travelers.

This course educates respiratory therapists and other health professionals on antibiotic-resistant staphylococci, particularly methicillin-resistant staph (upwards of 25% of nosocomial isolates of Staphylococcus aureus are methicillin resistant). Transmission strains, and the clinical features of diseases caused by these pathogens are covered as well as antibiotic properties, testing, therapy for infection, prevention, and control.

Audio Book Available | This intermediate level course for healthcare professionals is an introduction into the complex crime of human trafficking, with a focus on sex and labor trafficking and the common symptoms and conditions that occur in trafficked persons. The course provides insights into the facts surrounding human trafficking and relevant health risks for the trafficked person. An audio book is available for this course.

This intermediate-level course is intended for respiratory therapists, nurses, and physicians. The purpose of this course is to introduce the basic principles behind the use of high-frequency ventilation to achieve optimal ventilation and oxygenation in the neonate. The major classifications of high-frequency ventilation (HFV) are discussed along with indications, advantages, disadvantages, and potential hazards associated with its application. Specific HFV strategies for various disease processes are presented, and the course follows with a case study to help bring the information together. This course is useful for clinicians interested in gaining foundational and updated knowledge about HFV use in the neonate.

This course provides a comprehensive coverage of scientific and clinical evidence for successful weaning from mechanical ventilation for respiratory therapists. Major topics in this course include: indications for mechanical ventilation, factors affecting readiness for weaning, clinical considerations, criteria for weaning and discontinuance, monitoring parameters and adverse reactions, progressive withdrawal of mechanical ventilation, and spontaneous breathing trial (SBT), SBT procedures and SBT failure. Clinical practice exercise with discussion are also included at the end of this course. Pre-test and post-test questions are used to assess learning outcomes. A list of references is provided as a guide for additional reading.

In coming years, healthcare professionals will face this aging of the population, along with the accompanying health and economic challenges. The purpose of this course is to highlight ethical issues that may confront respiratory care therapists and other healthcare professionals working with older adults and their families as these individuals near the end of life. Many of these issues are related to advances in medical technologies that have occurred over the past several decades (and that continue to be developed) and have led to increasingly complex choices. The course will provide background on ethical frameworks and principles used in healthcare settings for guidance in resolving ethical problems. This course will also identify major ethical issues concerning older adults and healthcare decisions and provide a model for addressing ethical dilemmas in healthcare settings.

Audio Book Available  |  This advanced level course covers the essential ethical principles for respiratory therapists and other healthcare providers. The contents of this course include many ethical issues that respiratory therapists and others may encounter in patient care settings. Additional contents include discussions on professional moral dilemmas, ethical theories (e.g., utilitarianism, deontologic ethics (Kantianism), social contract theory, virtue ethics). Examples are used to illustrate principles that guide ethical decision making. Case studies are used throughout this course to reinforce understanding and learning of the essential ethical principles. An audio book is available for this course.

VIDEO COURSE - Led by Dr. Kathryn Blake at the Association of Asthma Educators Conference in August of 2016, this video presentation keeps respiratory therapists and other health care professionals working with asthmatic patients on the cutting-edge of research by explaining the current controversies in asthma care. Stepping down therapy in well-controlled patients on ICS + LABA; using the new anti-IL-5 biologics (mepolizumab and reslizumab); the role of proton pump inhibitors; treating acute, non-chronic cough associated with upper respiratory infections are covered.

This intermediate course for respiratory therapists provides a review and update on the current practice of secretion clearance and hyperinflation therapy. Under the main heading of airway secretion clearance, the following topics are covered: direct cough, huff maneuver, autogenic drainage, postural drainage therapy, positioning, percussion, vibration, electrical precursors, high frequency chest wall compression, chest wall oscillation, and PAP adjuncts. Under hyperinflation therapy, topics include deep breathing exercise, incentive spirometry and mechanical assist devices. The effectiveness of these techniques and devices are discussed. The learners should be able to select the appropriate method or equipment for patients to achieve optimal secretion clearance and improved ventilation.

As we move further into the 21st century, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear critical incidents are on the rise. Between social media and 24/7 news, we learn about these incidents in real time. Healthcare practitioners are challenged now more than ever to mobilize in an instant to meet the needs of victims and communities during the response and recovery efforts. This course is designed to give clinicians an overview of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents. The topics include how such incidents occur; the toxicity and clinical implications of agents that can be released; how a critical incident scene is managed; mass casualty triage and decontamination procedures; and how healthcare facilities plan for and facilitate the recovery effort as things get back to normal after a critical incident.

This intermediate level course presents the equipment and techniques used by respiratory therapists for airway suctioning. The indications, contraindications, hazards and complications of suctioning are discussed, along with patient assessments before and after the procedure. Detailed information is provided on types of suction catheters, suctioning procedure, open suctioning and closed suctioning. A clinical case study is included to reinforce learning concepts, and pre- and post-test questions are used to assess learning outcomes. A list of references is provided as a guide for additional reading.

This advanced - level course is designed for respiratory therapists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who care for individuals receiving medication for respiratory conditions. This course explains that the important aspect of pharmacology is not to memorize each characteristic of individual medications, but rather to understand the individual pharmacologic classifications that these medications fall into. By understanding these classifications, the actions of newly approved medications will be better understood by practitioners. This course will enable respiratory therapists to stay current with relevant pharmacotherapy.

This is an intermediate-level course geared toward respiratory therapists and all healthcare professionals who care for individuals with asthma. Up-to-date information regarding the definition of asthma, its pathology and interventions are provided.

This advanced course begins with an outline and description of the indications, contraindications and complications of a tracheotomy. It follows with a discussion of the surgical procedure, equipment and supplies, and management strategies relating to a tracheotomy. Other important topics in this course include preparation for surgical procedure, position of the tracheostomy tube on chest x-ray, landmarks, Seldinger method, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), routine and emergency tracheostomy tube change. Specialty tracheostomy tubes are also discussed in this course. They include laryngectomy tubes, armored wire spiral-lined tubes, tight-to-shaft tubes, fenestrated tubes, foam cuff tubes, metal tracheostomy tubes, speaking tracheostomy tubes, Olympic Button, Kistner Valve, and Montgomery Valve. Clinical practice exercise and post-test questions are provided to reinforce attainment of learning objectives.