AARC-Approved CRCE Workshops for 2007
Respiratory Therapist

Respironics provides a variety of Continuing Education programs for Respiratory Therapists. All programs have been approved for Continuing Respiratory Care Education Credits with the American Association of Respiratory Care. For more information about these programs, please contact the Respironics Account Manager or Sleep Consultant in your area.

A Guide to Interface Selection and Fit Workshop 2 hours	This interactive workshop reviews the features of the various masks offered by Respironics. The workshop will cover the selection and fitting procedure associated with the interfaces. The mask workshop includes a hands-on demonstration of fitting the participants with the masks.
Interface and Therapy Options Overview 1 hour	This presentation focuses on how to optimize patient compliance and therapy adherence while selecting a patient interface and PAP device. C-Flex and Bi-Flex technology will be discussed, as well as how humidification can impact interface and therapy adherence.
Sleep Disordered Breathing and Cardiovascular Disease 1 hour	This workshop reviews the pathology of heart failure and discusses the current trends in treatment of heart failure, hypertension, and cardiac arrhythmias. Participants will discuss the association between OSA and congestive heart failure (CHF), refractory hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Benefits of PAP therapy for OSA patients will be reviewed, as well as how to use the information to identify patients with a sleep disorder.
First Impressions Workshop: Better for Patients, Better for You 3 hours	This interactive workshop is designed to help the respiratory therapists to better understand CPAP with C-Flex, BiPAP with Bi-Flex and review titration protocols for the treatment of OSA. The participant will gain insight into the importance of a "great first impression" to therapy and its impact on acceptance, tolerance, and response to therapy, as well as business operations of the sleep lab and provider.
Non-Invasive Ventilation and Data Management for the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patient 1 hour	This workshop reviews the disease process of ALS and how it impacts the respiratory system while the patient is both awake and asleep. It also reviews the American Academy of Neurology guidelines for the care of the ALS patient and discusses the respiratory therapy equipment used with non-invasive ventilation for patients with ALS in the homecare environment. It reviews disease statistics, as well as marketing opportunities for the homecare provider working within the ALS community.
Therapeutic Options for Patients with Sleep Disordered Breathing 1 hour	This program was developed to update respiratory therapists on the various forms of therapy available for patients identified with OSA and Central Sleep Apnea (CSA). Discussion will include prevalence and impact of sleep disordered breathing and review of the various forms of therapy available for patients identified with OSA and identified with CSA. Alternative forms of therapy will also be reviewed.
The Link Between OSA and Stroke 1 hour	This workshop reviews the pathology of stroke and current trends, as well as the prevalence and impact of sleep disordered breathing. Participants will discuss the association between OSA and stroke and will review the benefits of PAP therapy for patients with OSA. The possibility of stroke in patients with risk factors for OSA will be reviewed and ways to improve medical management of stroke patients who also suffer from OSA.
Titration 101: How to Titrate with C-Flex and Bi-Flex 1 hour	This presentation focuses on the titration goals for OSA airway management using C-Flex and Bi-Flex. The physiologic titration goals for OSA airway management will be covered as well as protocols and processes . The participants will develop an understanding of how a proper titration can impact acceptance of therapy and outcomes. The rationale for CPAP and bi-level titration protocols will be explained.
Titration 102: Identification of Complex Breathing Patterns and Titration with BiPAP autoSV. 1.5 hours	This presentation focuses on the titration goals and identification of patients with complicated breathing patterns such as central sleep apnea, complex sleep apnea, and periodic breathing. The participants will develop and discuss how to properly identify a patient with a disorder and implement a titration with the BiPAP autoSV to manage the patient in the sleep center. The presentation will also discuss the use of Encore data to better manage the patients outcomes in the home.
Central Sleep Apnea vs. Complex Apnea: How Do They Differ? 1 hour	This program was developed to educate respiratory therapists on the difference between complex apnea and central sleep apnea. Examples of idiopathic central apnea, complex sleep apnea, and Cheyne-Stokes respiration will be discussed along with their respective PSG findings. Treatment suggestions for each will be reviewed as well as use of various PAP modalities for these forms of sleep apnea.
Technologies to Optimize Therapy Comfort, Acceptance and Efficacy in OSA 1 hour	This program was developed to educate respiratory therapists on the function and use of an autoadjusting device. Participants will review clinical literature on REMstar Auto and discuss how the auto algorithm works. Digital Auto-TRAK will be reviewed and its impact on the auto algorithm. Case examples will be utilized for the discussion.
Data Management, Compliance Monitoring and Interpretation with Encore 1 hour	This presentation focuses on using Encore reports to provide objective feedback in patients' management of PAP therapy. Discussion will center around what information is found in a basic Encore report and a review of various types of Encore reports including how the data is determined and interpreted. Common questions which arise concerning Encore reports will be discussed.
The Link Between OSA and Diabetes 1 hour	This workshop reviews the pathology of diabetes and current trends, as well as the prevalence and impact of sleep disordered breathing. Participants will discuss the association between OSA and diabetes and will review the benefits of PAP therapy for patients with OSA. The possibility of diabetes in patients with risk factors for OSA will be reviewed and ways to improve medical management of diabetes patients who also suffer from OSA.
Evaluating Airflow Using a Nasal Pressure Transducer (PTAF Monograph) 1 hour Part Number 1038613	This self-directed monograph reviews the importance of a reliable airflow signal in the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing. The monograph reviews the theory of how airflow is detected during a sleep study and compares and contrasts airflow sensing modalities including thermistor, thermocouple, pnemotachograph, and pressure sensing devices. Review of the setup of the PTAF pressure transducer is covered, as well as various flow tracings associated with the PTAF and how the events are recorded and evaluated.
Bi-Level Rescue Monograph 1 hour Part Number 1038429	This self-directed monograph was developed to increase awareness of bi-level therapy as an option for patients who have failed traditional CPAP therapy. It highlights information about bi-level therapy use in OSA, bi-level rescue study results, implementation, protocol, monitoring compliance, options, and follow-up.