Respiratory Care Protocols and Soap Notes

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of developing Respiratory Care Protocols?

To enhance the allocation of respiratory care services (correct)

To increase the frequency of treatments

To reduce the number of respiratory therapists in a hospital

To reduce the cost of medical equipment

What is a key element of a Respiratory Care Protocol Program?

Relying solely on MDs to make decisions

Having a large team of respiratory therapists

Strong and committed medical direction (correct)

Using only the most expensive medical equipment

What is an advantage of using RT Protocols?

Reducing the role of MDs in patient care

Higher costs for medical equipment

Increased frequency of treatments

Better allocation of services (correct)

What is included in an outline of a Respiratory Care Protocol?

Description of alternatives found at action points Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a well-written Respiratory Care Protocol?

It is written in outline form or as an algorithm Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of an RT Consult Service?

To evaluate and treat patients according to established guidelines Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the RT evaluator in the RT Consult Service?

To assess the patient according to established guidelines Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is responsible for ensuring quality care in healthcare institutions?

JCAHO Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) plan?

To detect and correct factors hindering quality care Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a case study in the context of RT CQI?

To test the competence of RTs Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of S.O.A.P. notes in RT care?

To document patient care plans Signup and view all the answers

What is the final step in the 9-step quality assurance plan?

Evaluate the outcome of the intervention Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of subjective data?

My chest hurts when I take a deep breath Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of assessment?

To analyze the patient's problem Signup and view all the answers

What type of data is based on the caregivers' observations of the patient?

Objective data Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a plan?

Assist with coughing and deep breathing at least every 2 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of postural drainage and percussion?

To help loosen and remove mucus from the lungs Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the patient's respirations being 26 breaths/min and shallow?

The patient is having difficulty breathing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

RT Consult Service

MD writes order for protocol/consult, and RN/unit secretary notifies RT evaluator
RT assesses patient according to guidelines and writes care plan using indications and algorithms
Care plan is documented in chart for MD review
RT covering unit delivers care and assesses patient for changes in status and modifications

Quality Assurance Plan

JCAHO requires a quality assurance plan
Quality assurance plan provides a system for quality control and continuous quality improvement (CQI)
CQI is an ongoing process designed to detect and correct factors hindering provision of quality and cost-effective healthcare

9 Steps for a Quality Assurance Plan

Identify problems
Determine causes
Rank problems
Develop strategies to resolve problems
Develop measurement techniques
Implement problem-resolution strategies
Analyze and compile results
Report results
Evaluate outcome of intervention

Goals of a RT CQI Plan (AARC)

Provide a method for ongoing monitoring of quality and appropriateness of care
Ensure cost-effective methods and procedures
Ensure effective methods and procedures
Identify, rank, and resolve patient-care-related issues

Methods of Monitoring

Audit system
Feedback must be given
Case studies
S.O.A.P Notes (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan)

S.O.A.P Notes

Subjective data: information obtained from patient, relatives, or similar sources
Objective data: information based on caregivers' observations, physical exam, or diagnostic/lab tests
Assessment: analysis of patient's problem
Plan: course of action to resolve the problem

RT Protocols

Developed to enhance allocation of respiratory care services
Can show a decrease in misallocated care
Guidelines for delivering appropriate treatments and services
Written in outline form or as an algorithm

Key Elements of a Respiratory Care Protocol Program

Strong and committed medical direction
Engaged therapists
Active quality monitoring
Collaborative environment (RTs, MDs, RNs)
Responsiveness of all elements to address and correct problems

Elements of Acceptable RT Protocol (ACCP)

Clearly stated objectives
Outline includes algorithm
Description of alternatives found at action points
Description of possible complications and how to correct them
Description of end points and decision points where MD contact is needed

Protocol Program Advantages

Better allocation of services
Cost-savings
More dynamic respiratory care
Adjustment of services to keep pace with patient needs
More versatile use of services

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Description

Test your knowledge of respiratory care protocols and Soap Notes, including their development, purpose, and guidelines for delivering appropriate treatments and services. Learn about the role of well-trained RTs in executing protocols and the importance of effective allocation of care.