Community Respiratory Therapist

Detailed Overview

The Community Respiratory Therapist is responsible for the delivery of Community Respiratory Services within Fraser Health including promotion of respiratory health, assessment, diagnostic testing, education, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with respiratory dysfunction. Formulates and documents respiratory care plans and disease self management strategies. Responsibilities As required by physicians and other health care professionals, provides diagnostic testing, disease management education, information, written assessments and recommendations, respiratory intervention based on care plan, and/or home visits for adult, pediatric, and infant patients with respiratory dysfunction.

Formulates and documents patient care plans, based on assessments and diagnostic test results, and according to established procedures to ensure safe and appropriate application of a variety of respiratory equipment and procedures for patients in Fraser Health. Provides education, support, and counseling to patients/groups regarding respiratory disease management, including breathing techniques, proper use of medications and respiratory equipment, lung and health wellness, smoking cessation Assesses patients with respiratory limitations for appropriate home oxygen/respiratory therapy and respiratory equipment through methods such as reviewing health records and patient history, performing diagnostic tests such as arterial blood gas sampling, pulse oximetry, spirometry, and blood pressure measurements.

Organizes and conducts follow up assessments as required. Consults with and makes recommendations to the physician leader regarding patients respiratory care, oxygen needs, and home oxygen subsidy approval. Acts as a liaison between the hospital, Community Respiratory Services, and physician to provide information and access to alternative therapy and resources such as respiratory rehabilitation programs, smoking cessation, etc. Participates in interdisciplinary care conferences, COPD rehabilitation classes, and community respiratory meetings as required.

Assists Respirologists, physicians, acute and community nurses, private respiratory equipment companies, and other health care professionals with the care planning, discharge planning, follow up, and support of respiratory patients who are either frequently admitted to hospital, require complex care strategies, or discharged from Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Provides information, recommendations, and advice regarding the selection and use of respiratory equipment and/or specialized respiratory care, in the home or in a community care facility setting.

Upon the request of a physician, performs arterial blood gas sampling and analysis, portable lung function testing, oximetry, and assessment on patients who are unable to travel to the hospital for the procedure. Performs equipment quality control and maintenance by checking equipment prior to use to ensure proper functioning, and reporting equipment problems to the manager. Establishes and monitors inventory quotas for respiratory supplies.

Participates in quality improvement activities by providing input on the development, implementation, and evaluation of program goals, objectives, clinical indicators, policies and procedures to ensure effective resource utilization and quality patient care. Gathers and reports data to assess the effectiveness of the service. Makes recommendations for change the Coordinator or Manager. Maintains documentation by ensuring reports, client records and work load statistics are complete and accurate according to established departmental standards.

Maintains knowledge of current developments in home respiratory care and acts as a resource to other health care professionals in the area of community respiratory services and home oxygen. Performs other related duties as required. Qualifications

Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited Respiratory Therapy program. Successful completion of the Canadian Board of Respiratory Care (CBRC) credentialing exam. Eligible for membership with the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (CSRT) and the British…