Advanced Respiratory Care

Aim:
This workshop aims to provide healthcare professionals with comprehensive training in advanced respiratory care, including tracheostomy day-to-day management and the latest developments in respiratory care. The course emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices, recent advancements in respiratory therapies, and the integration of multidisciplinary approaches to improve patient outcomes.

Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system, particularly in relation to mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy care.
• Develop skills in managing and maintaining tracheostomy for both ventilated and non-ventilated patients, including suctioning, humidification, and infection prevention.
• Implement the latest respiratory monitoring technologies, such as capnography and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), in patient care.
• Utilize advanced respiratory techniques like non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and mechanical ventilation.
• Recognize early signs of respiratory distress or complications in tracheostomized patients and respond appropriately.
• Understand the principles behind decannulation and post-decannulation care.

Content:

Module 1: Overview of Respiratory Anatomy and Physiology

• Respiratory system overview: Functions of the lungs, airways, and their role in gas exchange.
• Tracheostomy anatomy: Detailed discussion on tracheostomy tubes, stoma care, and their role in managing airway obstruction.

Module 2: Tracheostomy Care

• Day-to-Day Care:
  • Suctioning techniques to maintain airway patency.
  • Humidification and hydration to prevent mucus plugging.
  • Stoma care and prevention of infection.
  • Changing tracheostomy tubes: Indications, techniques, and safety measures.
• Recent Advances in Tracheostomy Care:
  • Use of cuff pressure monitoring to reduce complications like tracheal stenosis.
  • Speaking valves: Benefits for communication and swallowing rehabilitation.
  • High-Flow Oxygen Therapy (HFOT) for improving patient outcomes in tracheostomy care.

Module 3: Respiratory Monitoring and Advanced Ventilation Techniques

• Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV):
  • Indications for NIV in chronic respiratory failure.
  • Use of NIV in managing patients with COPD, neuromuscular disorders, and hypoxemic respiratory failure.
• Mechanical Ventilation:
  • Key principles of managing ventilated patients, including ventilator settings, PEEP adjustments, and ventilator weaning protocols.
  • Monitoring tools: Introduction to capnography, pulse oximetry, and blood gas analysis to assess ventilatory status.
• Recent Advances:
  • Closed-loop ventilation: Automated systems adapting to patient needs.
  • Integration of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize mechanical ventilation settings.

Module 4: Troubleshooting and Managing Complications

• Recognizing Respiratory Distress:
  • Early warning signs of respiratory failure in tracheostomized patients.
  • Emergency management of blocked or displaced tracheostomy tubes.
• Infection Control:
  • Strategies to prevent and manage tracheostomy-related pneumonia.
  • Advanced antiseptic care and use of biofilm-resistant tubes.

Module 5: Decannulation and Long-Term Management

• Criteria for Decannulation:
  • Clinical decision-making around readiness for decannulation.
  • Care strategies for patients post-decannulation to ensure safe recovery.
• Long-Term Respiratory Care:
  • Managing patients with long-term tracheostomies in primary and community care settings.
  • Psychological support for patients and families managing chronic tracheostomy care.

Format:

• Presentations: Covering theoretical aspects and evidence-based practices.
• Demonstrations: Hands-on sessions with tracheostomy equipment, ventilators, and suctioning devices.
• Group Work: Small groups practicing tracheostomy care procedures and troubleshooting techniques.
• Case Studies: Real-life scenarios to deepen understanding of patient care in complex respiratory situations.

Evaluation of Learning:

• Competency Assessment: Participants will be observed performing tracheostomy care techniques.
• Quiz: Post-workshop quiz to assess understanding of the key concepts and practices.
• Case Study Analysis: Group presentations on case studies to demonstrate application of learning in clinical scenarios.

This workshop integrates the latest advances in respiratory care, focusing on the practical management of tracheostomies and other advanced techniques. It equips healthcare professionals with the skills to provide high-quality care in line with modern respiratory management practices.